Introduction

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining crispy tater tots, hearty chili, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

A close-up of a clear glass baking dish filled with a layered tater tot casserole. The bottom layer is made of dark brown cooked ground beef mixed with sauce, topped with a thick layer of melted white and orange cheese that stretches and drips down the sides. The top layer is a golden-brown grid of crispy tater tots, tightly packed and slightly browned on the edges, covering the entire dish evenly. The background shows a white marbled texture and blurred kitchen items. 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, mix some cooked ground beef into the chili before assembling.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter topping.
Add diced jalapeños on top for extra heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to maintain the cheese’s texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked tater tot casserole in a clear glass rectangular dish, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown cooked ground meat, the middle layer is melted orange and white cheese dripping slightly over the meat, and the top layer is golden-brown crispy tater tots arranged tightly in rows. The cheese stretches in gooey strings between the layers, and the tater tots have a crisp, textured surface with hints of browning. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture surface with a blurred kitchen background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Yes, homemade chili works great and allows you to customize flavors and ingredients to your preference.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold from the fridge.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that layers crispy tater tots with savory chili and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with a dollop of creamy sour cream and fresh green onions, this casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cans (about 15 oz each) chili (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 is hot enough to bake the casserole thoroughly and melt the cheese perfectly.
Layer Tater Tots: In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom, creating a solid base layer for the casserole.
Add Chili: Pour the chili evenly over the layer of tater tots, distributing it to cover the tots completely for maximum flavor.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer to add richness and create a beautiful, gooey topping.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to set and cool slightly before serving.
Serve: Serve the casserole warm with a generous dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

You can use chili with or without beans according to your preference.
For a spicier version, choose a chili with added jalapeños or spices.
Frozen tater tots can be substituted with homemade tots or seasoned potato cubes if desired.
Make sure not to overbake to avoid drying out the casserole; cheese should be melted but still gooey.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: tater tot casserole, chili cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, baked casserole