Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
A cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole made with crispy tater tots, hearty chili, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you want easy comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili (with or without beans, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended):
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- Sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the chili layer
Pour both cans of chili into the baking dish and spread evenly.
If using onions, peppers, or spices, mix them into the chili now. - Add cheese
Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili. - Top with tater tots
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. - Final cheese melt
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly. - Rest & serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- A dollop of sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Pickled jalapeños
- A simple green salad on the side
Tips & Variations
- Use beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili—all work great.
- For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
- Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Want it spicy? Add hot chili or a pinch of cayenne.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
