Introduction

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Layers of crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese come together to create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up view of a three-layer casserole in a clear glass baking dish. The bottom layer is made of browned ground meat mixed with rich, chunky tomato sauce, showing a glossy, thick texture. On top of that, there is a layer of golden-brown melted cheese that is stringy and gooey, hanging slightly over the meat. The top layer consists of round, puffed tater tots arranged neatly in rows, golden to light brown with crispy, textured surfaces. The background shows a blurred kitchen setting with a white marbled surface underneath the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen tater tots
2 cans of chili (with or without beans)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom.
Step 3: Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 7: Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing diced jalapeños or cooked ground beef into the chili before layering.
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.
To make this dish vegetarian, choose a chili made with beans and vegetables instead of meat.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked casserole in a clear glass tray filled with two visible layers. The bottom layer is ground beef cooked in a rich brown sauce, appearing moist and crumbly. The top layer consists of golden-brown baked tater tots closely packed together, covered with melted cheese that is a mix of white and orange shades, stretching down from the tater tots to the meat layer below. The cheese looks gooey and slightly crispy on the edges, giving a warm and appetizing look. The casserole rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?

Fresh potatoes can be used, but it’s important to parboil or partially cook them first to ensure they become crispy and fully cooked during baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 117 reviews

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together. Combining crispy baked tater tots, savory chili, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, it’s topped off with tangy sour cream and fresh green onions for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 ounces)

Topping

2 cans of chili (about 15 ounces each, with or without beans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even crisping.
Add Chili: Pour the chili evenly over the tater tots, spreading it gently to cover them completely.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili layer to create a melty, cheesy top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for added creaminess and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute chili with your favorite homemade or canned variation, with or without beans, depending on your preference.
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili layer before baking.
To make this dish vegetarian, use a meatless chili alternative.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake; just add extra baking time if going directly from cold.
If you like a crunchier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: chili cheese tater tot casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy chili casserole, easy dinner casserole, comfort food casserole