Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect union of bold, hearty chili and crispy, golden tater tots, all topped with melty cheese for the ultimate comfort dish. This recipe shines on busy nights because it relies on simple, convenient ingredients yet delivers big, bold flavor every single time. It’s satisfying, easy to assemble, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. I once tried this with homemade chili instead of canned, and it gave the casserole an even deeper, richer taste—though the quick version is just as comforting. Whether you need a potluck crowd-pleaser or a cozy meal that brings everyone to the table, this casserole consistently delivers warm, cheesy, nostalgic goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is effortless to prepare and relies on pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknights. The combination of savory chili, crisp tater tots, and gooey cheese creates layers of texture and flavor that appeal to all ages. It’s customizable, economical, and comforting—plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means minimal cleanup. You can easily adjust spice levels, add vegetables, or use different cheeses depending on what you have available.
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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, family-friendly casserole made with seasoned ground beef, chili, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in chili with beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until tater tots are crispy and golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or use spicy chili.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat to lighten the dish.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer to keep the tater tots crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or turkey
Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the chili layer. Either option works well, depending on your preference.
Onion
Adds sweetness and savory depth, building the foundation of the chili mixture.
Garlic
Enhances the chili with bold, aromatic flavor.
Canned chili or homemade chili
Serves as the main sauce component; canned keeps prep simple, but homemade adds richness.
Tomato sauce
Helps thicken the mixture and brings a classic chili tang.
Chili seasoning
Adds smoky warmth and spice, tying the flavors together.
Cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully and adds sharp, creamy richness on top of the casserole.
Tater tots
Provide crisp texture and soak up the chili flavors while baking.
Green onions
Offer a fresh finishing bite that balances the richness.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Stir in the chili, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning, letting the mixture simmer for several minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Pour the chili mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese over the chili. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 30–35 minutes.
Total time: approximately 40–45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to restore crispness to the tater tots, or microwave for a quicker option. This casserole freezes well—store for up to 2 months and reheat from thawed or frozen until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Chili Cheese Casserole
Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture for heat.
Tex-Mex Style
Use pepper jack cheese and add black beans and corn to the filling.
Vegetarian Version
Swap meat for a plant-based crumble and use vegetarian chili.
BBQ Chili Casserole
Add a small amount of BBQ sauce to the chili for smoky sweetness.
Breakfast Twist
Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a brunch-friendly version.
Extra Cheesy Layer
Mix cheese into the chili layer and also add more on top for added richness.
Sweet Potato Tots
Use sweet potato tater tots for a slightly sweeter, more nutritious alternative.
Mushroom & Pepper Add-In
Sauté mushrooms and bell peppers with the onions for extra veggie flavor.
Low-Sodium Version
Use no-salt-added tomato sauce and seasonings to control salt levels.
Chili Mac Variation
Mix cooked pasta into the chili before topping with tater tots.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to the tater tot layer and bake when ready.
Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, they bake beautifully straight from frozen.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Colby jack, or a blend work very well.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely; freeze before or after baking.
How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
Can I use leftover chili?
Yes, it’s an excellent way to repurpose leftovers.
Should I cover the casserole while baking?
No, leave uncovered for crispier tater tots.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, corn, and beans integrate well.
Does the meat have to be browned first?
Yes, browning improves flavor and texture.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so—mild chili and crispy tots make it appealing.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, satisfying dish that combines the heartiness of chili with the comfort of cheesy, crispy tater tots. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a group or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the variations, this casserole delivers bold flavor and nostalgic comfort every time.
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