Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 7 reviews

A comforting Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef chili layered over crispy baked tater tots and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, served with optional sour cream and green onions for added flavor.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bag tater tots (32 oz.)
  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • A few shakes Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces water (use the empty tomato sauce can to measure)
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz.)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tater tots.
  2. Bake Tater Tots: Spread the tater tots evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake them for 20 minutes until they start to become crispy.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef: While the tots bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with salt, pepper, and chopped onion. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Prepare the Chili Mixture: Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet. Add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, tomato sauce, and water measured from the empty tomato sauce can. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the beef chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your preferred consistency.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the prepared chili evenly over the baked tater tots in the baking dish.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chili layer.
  8. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Optionally, top with sour cream and sliced green onions for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin to taste based on your spice preference.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  • Make it gluten-free by ensuring the chili powder and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free branded.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/chili-cheese-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/