Name: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (about 32 oz) of frozen tater tots; 2 cans (15 oz each) of chili, with or without beans; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, convenience, and a bold burst of flavor, look no further than this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. This all-in-one meal layers crispy tater tots with savory chili, gooey cheddar cheese, and bright green onions, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a casual get-together, the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite and makes dinner feel like a celebration.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple ingredients is the key to this hearty dish, and each one plays a vital role in crafting the ultimate comfort food experience. From the crispy crunch of tater tots to the rich, zesty chili and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole promises a well-rounded mix of flavor and texture that’s easy to love.

Frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden base that provides a satisfying crunch and a fun twist on traditional potatoes.
Canned chili (with or without beans): Adds a robust and spicy heartiness that soaks into the tots perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create that rich, gooey layer everyone craves on a casserole.
Sour cream: Offers a smooth, cool contrast to the warm, spicy chili, enhancing the flavor balance.
Chopped green onions: Bring fresh color and a mild, oniony zest for a bright finishing touch.

How to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to crisp up the tater tots while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without drying out the chili.

Step 2: Arrange the Tater Tots

Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish. This layer forms the crispy foundation of your casserole and soaks up all the delicious flavors to come.

Step 3: Add the Chili

Pour the canned chili over the tater tots, using the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Whether you choose chili with or without beans, this layer infuses the tater tots with rich, savory goodness.

Step 4: Sprinkle With Cheese

Generously top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese. This layer will melt into a bubbling blanket of cheesy comfort that ties the whole dish together beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle into a harmonious blend.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Before serving, add a dollop of sour cream on each portion and sprinkle with chopped green onions. These garnishes bring freshness and creaminess that elevate the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole to another level.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing with sour cream and green onions is a classic for good reason. The cool sour cream balances out the spice of the chili, while the green onions add a lovely crisp bite and beautiful pop of color. For an extra kick, sprinkle with a little crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

Though this casserole is a filling feast on its own, pairing it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables keeps the meal balanced and refreshing. A simple side of roasted broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad can offer contrasting textures that complement the rich casserole wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole at a party, consider assembling it in individual ramekins for a fun personal touch. You could also turn it into a loaded nacho style dish with tortilla chips on the side or even stuff it into baked potatoes for a satisfying twist on classic comfort food. The possibilities are endless and tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to preserve freshness and prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. After baking and cooling, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but in a pinch, use short intervals to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Frozen tater tots tend to have the perfect texture and crispness for this recipe, but if you have fresh or homemade tots, they can work too. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly.

What type of chili is best for this casserole?

Any canned chili you prefer works well here, whether it includes beans or is bean-free. For a homemade touch, use your favorite chili recipe to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use a vegetarian chili or one made with plant-based meat substitutes. The flavors will still be incredible and satisfy any comfort food craving.

Is there a way to make this lower in calories?

Try using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and look for a low-fat or turkey chili option. You could also add extra vegetables to increase volume without adding many calories.

How spicy is the casserole?

The spice level depends on the chili you use. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for chili labeled mild. For a bit more heat, choose medium or hot chili, or add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder as you prepare.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole that makes it a go-to for cozy nights and casual gatherings alike. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and cravings. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to have a new favorite comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a dish.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This easy-to-make casserole layers crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with sour cream and fresh green onions for a flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tots

1 bag (about 32 oz) of frozen tater tots

Chili

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

Cheese and Toppings

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to crisp the tater tots and melt the cheese evenly.
Layer Tater Tots: In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom to create a crispy base layer.
Add Chili: Pour the chili over the layer of tater tots, spreading it out evenly so every bite has a hearty chili flavor.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili layer to create a rich, melted topping.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly.
Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve with Toppings: Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added creaminess and freshness.

Notes

Use a baking dish of approximately 9×13 inches for even cooking.
For a spicier version, choose chili with added jalapeños or chili powder.
You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American