Introduction

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.

The dish is a baked casserole in a clear rectangular glass dish placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a rich, dark brown ground meat sauce with a thick, slightly chunky texture. On top of this meat layer are evenly placed golden-brown crispy tater tots arranged in neat rows, forming a grid pattern. Melted cheese in creamy white and light orange shades drips down the sides of the tater tots, stretching and blending with the meat layer below, creating a gooey, appetizing look. The dish has a warm, comforting appearance with a shiny and slightly crisp top from the baked cheese and tater tots. 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 extra flavor, try adding jalapeños or chopped bell peppers to the chili before baking.
Use ground beef or turkey if you want to make your own chili instead of canned.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a blend of cheeses to add a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

The dish is a thick, baked casserole in a clear glass dish, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is rich brown cooked ground meat mixed with sauces, the middle layer is gooey white and orange melted cheese stretched slightly down the sides, and the top layer is golden-brown tater tots arranged tightly on top, all with a crispy, bubbly texture. The casserole sits on a white marbled 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?

Absolutely! Homemade chili works great in this casserole and allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

A comforting and hearty Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole featuring crispy tater tots layered with savory chili and melted cheddar cheese, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh green onions. Perfect for a cozy family meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 bag of frozen tater tots (approximately 32 oz)

Chili Layer

2 cans of chili (with or without beans, approximately 15 oz each)

Toppings

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare the base: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish to form the foundation of the casserole.
Add the chili: Pour the two cans of chili over the tater tots, making sure to spread it evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Add cheese topping: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer to create a rich, melted cheese topping.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly.
Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add creaminess and a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

You can use chili with or without beans depending on your preference.
For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili layer.
If you prefer, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Keywords: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Chili Casserole, Cheesy Tater Tots, Easy Casserole Recipes, Comfort Food