Chili Tater Tot Casserole
This Chili Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty, cheesy dish combining homemade chili with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings, this one-pan meal is loaded with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 15 oz kidney beans drained
- 15 oz black beans drained
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For the Casserole:
- 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar-Monterey Jack mix
- ½ cup sour cream optional, for serving
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chili Base:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft.
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Mix well and simmer for 10–15 minutes, letting the chili thicken slightly.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the chili evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the top.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the chili mixture.
Bake:
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Add the Final Touch:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle on the remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Serve:
- Top with sour cream, green onions, or cilantro before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, crispy, and comforting casserole hot out of the oven!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease.
- For spice lovers, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
- Let the chili thicken before layering to keep the tots crisp.
- To make ahead: assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSodium: 820mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g
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