When comfort food calls, nothing answers better than a warm, 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 Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
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 Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe (1X) yields 6 servings
- For the chili layer
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz chili beans (or kidney beans, drained)
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- salt & pepper to taste
- For the casserole
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- For finishing
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (garnish)
Instructions for Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
- Make the Chili: Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet until brown. Drain any excess fat. Combine beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. To learn more about how to perfectly cook ground beef, click here.
- 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 an extra kick.
Looking for more warm and comforting meals? Be sure to explore more casserole recipes right here on our site. from cheesy baked classics to hearty one-pan dinners that the whole family will love.
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.
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble everything (chili layer + cheese + tots) up to 24 hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s going in cold.
Should I cook the tater tots first?
No need. Frozen tater tots bake perfectly on top and get crispy. Just spread them in an even layer and avoid piling them too high.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy on top?
Bake uncovered and place the casserole on the middle rack. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–3 minutes at the end (watch it closely so it doesn’t burn). Also, don’t add too much sauce on top of the tots.
What kind of chili works best?
Both homemade and canned chili work great. Beef chili is the classic, but turkey or chicken chili is also tasty. If your chili is very watery, simmer it 5–10 minutes before layering so the casserole doesn’t turn soggy.
Can I use ground beef instead of chili?
Yes. Brown ground beef with onion + garlic, then stir in chili seasoning and a bit of tomato sauce or salsa to get that chili vibe. Then layer it like usual and bake.
What cheese melts best in this casserole?
Cheddar is the classic, but a mix is even better: cheddar + Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you want more heat. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Can I add veggies?
Definitely. Try diced onions, bell peppers, corn, or black beans mixed into the chili layer. Jalapeños on top also work great if you like it spicy.
How do I store leftovers?
Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
For crisp tots: reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or air fryer for 6–8 minutes. Microwave works, but the tots will soften.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, but the texture of tater tots will be softer after freezing. Freeze baked leftovers in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
What should I serve with Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole?
A fresh salad, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a simple pickles/onion topping to balance the richness. Sour cream and green onions on top are also