Classic Cozy Homemade Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
This comforting casserole features a savory chili base topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Equipment
- large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 15 ounce chili beans undrained
- 15 ounce diced tomatoes undrained
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- 1.25 ounces chili seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheddar-jack blend
- 32 ounce frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- sliced green onions
- jalapeños for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chili Base
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet or Dutch oven, then drain any excess grease and add chopped onion, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning, then simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then spread the chili mixture evenly in an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of cheese over the chili and arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy, then sprinkle remaining cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly; let rest before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili base. This casserole is great for meal prepping; simply assemble ahead of time and bake when ready. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.