Classic Cozy Homemade Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
This classic, cozy chili cheese tater tot casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for family meals or potlucks. It combines savory ground meat chili with a cheesy topping and crispy tater tots for a comforting experience.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Chili Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Casserole Topping
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend for extra flavor)
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- green onions
- jalapeños
- extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened; then stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Chili Simmer
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld; season with salt and pepper.
Assemble & Bake
- Pour the chili mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until melted and slightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chili. To make this dish ahead, prepare the chili and store it in the refrigerator; assemble and bake the casserole just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.