Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a quick and comforting dish made with crispy tater tots, savory homemade chili, and melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 32 oz bag tater tots
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion chopped
- A few shakes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 8 ounces water use the tomato sauce can to measure
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 8 oz
- Sour cream optional for serving
- Sliced green onions optional for serving
Instructions
Bake the Tater Tots
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange tater tots in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Chili Layer
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef with salt, pepper, and chopped onion until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Return beef to skillet and add Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chili mixture evenly over the baked tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
Bake
- Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Serve
- Top individual servings with sour cream and green onions, if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, air fry tater tots before baking.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add diced jalapeños, corn, or black beans to the chili for added texture.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier casserole.