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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole featured image showcases a delicious and comforting baked dish.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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
  • 9x13 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 9x13 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.