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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole 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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even crisping.
  3. Add Chili: Pour the chili evenly over the tater tots, spreading it gently to cover them completely.
  4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili layer to create a melty, cheesy top.
  5. 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.
  6. 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