When comfort food calls, nothing answers better than a warm, cheesy Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish layers savory chili, gooey melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck favorite, or a game-day feast, this recipe delivers all the cozy, home-cooked satisfaction you crave.
🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is hearty, cheesy, and full of bold chili flavor — yet incredibly simple to prepare. It’s made with everyday ingredients, customizable to your spice preference, and ready in under an hour. Every bite has that perfect combination of creamy chili beneath and crispy, cheesy potatoes on top.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Chili Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (or kidney beans, drained)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
- Prepare the Chili: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chili evenly into a greased baking dish. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, then arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheddar over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions or parsley. Serve hot with sour cream or jalapeño slices for extra kick.
🍽️ Serving Tip
Pair it with a simple side salad or cornbread to complete the meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully — perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
❤️ Comfort Food at Its Best
This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the definition of comfort in a dish. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with rich chili flavor, it’s a hearty favorite the whole family will ask for again and again. Simple ingredients, big flavor — and pure satisfaction in every bite.