Introduction
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless game nights, backyard cookouts, and cozy Friday evenings at home, it’s this: everyone loves loaded tots. But what happens when you take this classic comfort food and turn it into something truly indulgent? That’s where these Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots come in.
Think crispy golden tater tots, topped with juicy steak, garlicky shrimp, gooey melted cheese, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. It’s like nachos had a glow-up—but instead of tortilla chips, you’ve got crispy tots carrying all the flavor.
The first time I made these was on a whim. I had leftover grilled steak, a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer, and some tater tots staring at me from the back of the freezer. A lightbulb went off: why not combine them all? What came out of my oven was nothing short of magical. My friends devoured the platter in minutes, and since then, Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots have become a permanent recipe in my rotation.
Whether you’re hosting a party, whipping up a quick dinner that feels like a restaurant dish, or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots. The best part? It’s flexible—you can swap things out based on what you have in your pantry.
For the Base:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Steak:
- 8 oz ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak (leftover steak works perfectly!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for extra meltiness)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Hot sauce or spicy aioli (optional, for drizzling)
Substitution Ideas:
- Steak: Swap with ground beef, shredded chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Shrimp: Try scallops, lobster bites, or go fully veggie with roasted bell peppers.
- Cheese: Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or vegan cheese if dairy-free.
- Tots: Cauliflower tots or sweet potato tots make for a healthier option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into easy, beginner-friendly steps. You don’t need to be a chef—just follow along!
Step 1: Cook the Tater Tots
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the tots evenly on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Tip: For maximum crispiness, use an air fryer at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
While the tots are cooking, season your steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, then sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Tip: For extra flavor, marinate your steak for 30 minutes in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic before cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, melt butter. Add shrimp, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Tots
Once the tots are crispy, transfer them to a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with cheese and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes until melty.
Top with sliced steak, cooked shrimp, sour cream, parsley, and green onions. Drizzle with hot sauce or spicy aioli if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Bring the skillet straight to the table, hand out forks, and watch these Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots disappear in minutes.
Extra Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside cold beers for game day.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results.
- Ingredient Variations:
- Add crumbled bacon for extra decadence.
- Swap sour cream for chipotle mayo.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information
(Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)
- Calories: ~480 per serving
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
👉 For detailed nutrition breakdown, check Burnt Pellet BBQ’s version here.
FAQ Section
Q: How long does it take to make Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots?
A: About 40 minutes total—30 minutes for the tots, 10 minutes for the steak and shrimp.
Q: Can I substitute the steak?
A: Absolutely! Use ground beef, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can freeze cooked tots, the texture won’t be as crispy when reheated. I recommend making it fresh for the best results.
Conclusion
There you have it—Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots, the ultimate comfort-meets-indulgence recipe that’s perfect for parties, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something hearty and fun. Crispy tots, juicy steak, garlicky shrimp, melty cheese—it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table (or couch) with excitement.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below! Did you add your own twist? Maybe jalapeños, bacon, or a different sauce? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it with your foodie friends and save it for your next game day menu.
Trust me: once you make these Steak and Shrimp Loaded Tots, you’ll never look at plain tater tots the same way again!