Name: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 oz); 2 cans of chili (with or without beans, each approx. 15 oz); 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup of sour cream; 1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels like an all-American comfort feast, the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is exactly what you need. This dish marries crispy golden tater tots with hearty chili and velvety melted cheddar cheese, creating layers of incredible flavors and textures in every bite. It’s incredibly simple to pull together but delivers maximum satisfaction whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging on a cozy night in. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and crispy elements makes Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole a guaranteed winner at your dinner table.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is wonderfully uncomplicated, with each element bringing something special to the plate. From the crunchy tater tots to the creamy sour cream, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Frozen tater tots: The base for that irresistible crispy texture that holds everything together perfectly.
Canned chili: Adds rich, savory flavor, and you can choose with or without beans depending on your preference.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to give the casserole that gooey, cheesy topping everyone loves.
Sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast when served on top.
Chopped green onions: Brightens the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high temperature ensures the tater tots get crispy while the chili and cheese heat through perfectly. Grab a large baking dish so everything fits comfortably without spilling over during baking.

Step 2: Layer the Tater Tots

Evenly spread the entire bag of frozen tater tots across the bottom of your baking dish. This layer acts as a crunchy foundation that will brown nicely as it cooks, creating the signature texture that makes this casserole shine.

Step 3: Add the Chili

Pour the chili over the tater tots making sure to spread it evenly. Whether you pick chili with beans or without, this hearty layer adds depth and richness that perfectly complements the crispy tots.

Step 4: Top with Shredded Cheddar

Sprinkle a generous 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese all over the chili layer. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket during baking, tying the flavors and textures together with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tater tots crisped to perfection underneath.

Step 6: Add Final Touches and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Then add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions to bring a cool, fresh balance to the warm, hearty dish.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole with sour cream and fresh green onions adds a delightful creaminess and brightness. You can also toss on a handful of sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or sprinkle crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies adds freshness to balance the richness. Consider serving with simple roasted broccoli, a tangy coleslaw, or even some buttery corn on the cob for a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This not only makes it feel more special but also helps with portion control. You could even layer it in a clear casserole dish so the colorful layers of tots, chili, and cheese are visible and tempting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes to get the cheese melty and the tater tots crispy again. You can also microwave single portions for convenience but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chili for this casserole?

Absolutely! Homemade chili adds a fresh, customized flavor that can make your casserole even more special. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold together well in the layering.

What if I don’t like beans in my chili?

No worries at all! You can opt for chili without beans or simply spoon out the beans before layering. Both versions work wonderfully in this casserole.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, by using a vegetarian chili or making your own with beans, vegetables, and meat substitutes, you can easily adapt this dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

To lighten up this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, try baking tater tots with less oil, use reduced-fat cheese, and opt for a chili loaded with vegetables and lean protein.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole that’s hard to beat when comfort food cravings hit. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible layers of flavor, this dish quickly becomes a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and hearty goodness for yourself!

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main dish featuring crispy baked tater tots layered with savory chili and melted cheddar cheese, topped off with sour cream and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 bag of frozen tater tots (about 32 oz)
2 cans of chili (with or without beans, each approx. 15 oz)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings

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’s hot enough for baking the casserole evenly and melting the cheese perfectly.
Arrange tater tots: In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom to create a crispy foundation for the casserole.
Add chili layer: Pour the chili over the tater tots and spread it out evenly so every bite gets a good amount of savory chili.
Top with cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer, covering it completely for a melty, cheesy topping.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the tater tots are crispy on the edges.
Cool slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow it to set and be easier to serve.
Add toppings and serve: Spoon servings onto plates and top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness and creaminess.

Notes

Feel free to use homemade chili instead of canned for a fresher and customizable touch.
For a spicier variant, add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili before baking.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; bake just before serving to maintain the tater tots’ crispness.
You may substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American