ULTIMATE CHILI CHEESE TATER TOT CASSEROLE

Imagine crispy, golden tater tots blanketing a warm, savory chili, all smothered in melted, gooey cheese – a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and I promise, everyone will be begging for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

Why This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Is a Winner

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a dish that’s pure, unadulterated comfort food. This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that brings back childhood memories while still feeling like a satisfying and complete dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the chili to your liking, adding more heat or different types of beans. And who doesn’t love a good tater tot?

It’s also a fantastic dish for potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of the party when you show up with this casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Chili:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili beans, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.

Assemble the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Pour the chili into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chili.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Casserole

Okay, let’s talk about some secrets to making this casserole truly exceptional. I want to share some of the things I have learned over the years.

• Spice it Up: If you like a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
• Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans in your chili. Black beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans would work well.
• Meat Alternatives: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You could even use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese, Please!: Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of provolone would be delicious.
• Tater Tot Placement: Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer so they get nice and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the casserole dish.
• Crispy Tots are Key: For extra crispy tater tots, you can bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a fantastic base, but don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Pizza Tater Tot Casserole: Use pizza sauce instead of chili, top with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
• Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole: Use sausage or bacon instead of ground beef, add scrambled eggs, and top with cheddar cheese.
• Mexican Tater Tot Casserole: Use taco seasoning instead of chili seasoning, add corn and black beans, and top with Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
• Vegetarian Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans and vegetables, such as corn, carrots, and zucchini. Use a vegetarian chili seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add some sides, here are a few suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to chili.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy sides.

Other Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of comforting and satisfying meals, I’ve got a few other recipes you might enjoy. You can never have too many options when you are craving comfort food.

For another cheesy and satisfying potato dish, try Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage. Or, if you’re in the mood for classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Baked Mac And Cheese or even Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese. For a hearty and warming soup, check out Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup or Beef Stew. And if you love potatoes, you will love Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Time to Dig In!

So there you have it – the ultimate Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Ultimate Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple weeknight dinner option that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and incredibly versatile for customization.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream
• Optional toppings: green onions
• Optional toppings: jalapeños

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven
• Can opener
• Spatula or spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili beans, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
7. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
8. Pour the chili into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chili.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Make sure the tater tots are in a single layer to get crispy. For extra crispy tots, bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.