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To make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, you need some tasty ingredients. Here’s a list to get you started: - Ground beef (or turkey) - Canned chili (with or without beans) - Cheddar cheese - Mozzarella cheese - Onion - Garlic - Spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) - Frozen tater tots - Sour cream (optional) - Green onions (for garnish) Each ingredient brings its own flavor. Ground beef or turkey gives the dish a hearty base. The canned chili adds rich taste and warmth. Cheddar and mozzarella cheese melt to create a creamy topping. Onion and garlic provide a nice aroma and depth. Use spices like cumin and chili powder to add a kick. Frozen tater tots add crunch and fun. If you like, add sour cream for creaminess. Finally, garnish with green onions for a fresh touch. Gather these ingredients to create a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for a nice, crispy top. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Then, toss in 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mixture over medium heat. You want the meat to brown and the onion to become clear. This will take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain any fat from the skillet. Next, stir in 1 can of chili, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together. Grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread the chili beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Make sure it covers the whole dish. Next, take a bag of frozen tater tots. Evenly place them over the chili mix. You want to cover it completely so every bite has that crispy goodness. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt beautifully in the oven. Now it’s time to bake. Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the tater tots to turn golden brown. Once it’s done, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle some chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy this hearty meal! Start with good ground beef or turkey. I like to use 80/20 beef for flavor. Sauté it with diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. This step brings out great taste. After cooking, drain any fat. Then, stir in chili and spices like cumin and chili powder. Let it simmer for five minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For the best tater tots, spread them evenly over the meat mixture. Make sure they cover everything. This way, they cook evenly. Bake in a hot oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want a nice golden brown color. If they look pale, give them a few extra minutes. Crispy tots make the dish even better. Cheese brings joy to this casserole. I recommend using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar adds a sharp taste, while mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Sprinkle it generously on top of the tater tots. For extra flavor, try adding pepper jack cheese. It gives a nice kick. Remember to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat: You can use either ground beef or turkey depending on your preference. Turkey will give a lighter option while beef adds a richer flavor. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses! Adding pepper jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses can give an extra kick. Make It Spicy: For those who love heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your chili mixture before baking. Perfect Tater Tot Crispiness: To ensure your tater tots get perfectly crispy, do not overcrowd the top. A single layer allows for better airflow and browning. {{image_2}} You can make this dish meat-free by using beans. Try black beans or kidney beans. Both add protein and flavor. Use two cans of beans instead of meat. Drain and rinse them well. This keeps the casserole light yet filling. For a kick, add sliced jalapeños to the mix. You can stir them into the meat mixture. Or, sprinkle them on top of the cheese. This gives your dish heat and a fresh taste. The balance of spice and cheese is delightful. Mix up the cheese for unique flavors. You can use pepper jack for heat. Gouda adds a smoky touch. Try mixing different cheeses for a richer taste. The blend of textures and flavors makes the casserole even better. To keep your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole fresh, let it cool. Once cooled, scoop leftovers into an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. Reheat your casserole in the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you want crispy tots, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but the texture may not be as good. Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking often. If you want to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the dish, but don’t cook it yet. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Cook the meat and layer the dish. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it. This saves time on busy days. You can serve this dish with a side salad or some fresh veggies. A simple green salad pairs well. You could also add a dollop of sour cream on top. Chopped green onions make a great garnish too. Yes! You can use frozen hash browns, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini slices. Each option gives a unique taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust baking time if needed. To reduce calories, use lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also cut back on cheese or use low-fat versions. Using fewer tater tots will help too. Adding more veggies can also make it lighter. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for success. We also explored fun variations to suit your taste. In the end, this dish is simple and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking, and feel free to add your own spin. You can make this meal a family favorite!

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring layers of chili, tater tots, and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 0.5 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey), diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chili, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, spread the chili beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
  • Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots over the chili mixture, ensuring they cover it completely.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the tater tots.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  • If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Optional to serve with sour cream and green onions.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chili, tater tots