Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

introduction

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish! is the kind of easy, comforting meal that disappears from the table almost as quickly as you pull it out of the oven. This layered casserole of crispy tater tots, hearty chili and gooey cheddar hits familiar, crowd-pleasing notes—perfect for weeknights, game days, or potlucks. If you enjoy creative tater tot recipes, you might also like this take on Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones, which plays with similar flavors in handheld form.

why make this recipe

This casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort: no chopping, no long simmering, and ingredients that are pantry-friendly. It’s economical, feeds a group, and can be tailored for picky eaters (hold the beans, add more cheese, or top with extra green onions). Because it reheats well and can be assembled ahead, it’s a practical go-to for busy households.

how to make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!

The method is intentionally simple—layer and bake. Start with a sturdy baking dish so the tater tots crisp evenly around the edges, and use a full-fat cheddar for the best melt and flavor. If you’d like a deeper chili flavor, warm and season the cans of chili briefly on the stove before pouring; if you prefer a lighter meal, use one can of chili and add a can of mild tomatoes or cooked vegetables.

Ingredients :

1 bag of frozen tater tots, 2 cans of chili (with or without beans), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)., In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom., Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly., Top with shredded cheddar cheese., Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly., Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes., Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

how to serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!

Serve hot, scooping generous portions straight from the baking dish. Offer bowls of sour cream, extra chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize. This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

how to store Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!

Cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (about 15–25 minutes). For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!

• For extra crispiness, bake uncovered, and consider broiling for the last 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
• Use pre-shredded cheese if short on time, but freshly shredded cheddar melts creamier.
• If your canned chili is very thick, thin slightly with a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or water so it spreads evenly.
• To cut calories, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, or swap half the tater tots for a layer of roasted cauliflower.

variation (if any)

• Chili Mac Twist: Stir cooked macaroni into the chili before layering for a heartier, pasta-forward casserole.
• Veggie Boost: Layer a thin mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms between the tater tots and chili.
• Taco-Style: Substitute chili with seasoned taco meat, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble the casserole in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from chilled.

Q: Can I use homemade chili?
A: Absolutely. If using homemade chili, make sure it’s not overly watery; a thicker chili layers better and prevents soggy tater tots.

Q: How do I keep the tater tots crispy on the bottom?
A: Use a metal baking dish and avoid adding extra liquid. Preheating the oven properly and not covering the dish while baking helps maintain crispness.

Conclusion

For a slightly different spin on the same crowd-pleasing flavor profile, see the creative Chili Cheese Dog Tater Tot Casserole offered by Cooking in the Midwest’s Chili Cheese Dog Tater Tot Casserole — it’s a fun riff that may inspire your next potluck contribution.