Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole 🌶️🧀🥔
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole has it all — savory seasoned ground beef, rich chili, gooey melted cheese, and golden crispy tater tots baked to perfection. 🤩 It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or potlucks, this cheesy casserole will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
For the Chili Layer:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) chili beans (in sauce)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Make the chili:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10–12 minutes so the flavors blend together.
2. Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Assemble the casserole:
Spread the chili mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the chili. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
4. Bake to golden perfection:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
5. Add more cheese:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & serve:
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
✅ Add corn or bell peppers to the chili layer for extra flavor.
✅ Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce for heat lovers.
✅ Make it ahead and refrigerate — just bake when ready to serve.