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Chili cheese tater tot casserole on a white plate, showcasing crispy golden tater tots, rich chili with beans, and melted cheddar cheese.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, family favorite made with hearty chili, crispy tater tots, and lots of melty cheese. It is an easy, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and cooking together.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili cheese casserole, Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, easy tater tot casserole, Family Dinner Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Cost: $14

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish Lightly greased to prevent sticking
  • Large Skillet Used for browning the ground beef
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 cans chili with beans 15 oz each or 3–4 cups homemade chili
  • 1 lb ground beef optional
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 oz
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Stir the cooked beef into the chili with beans until well combined.
  • Spread the chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
  • Top with the remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for using leftover chili from the night before.
For a meatless version, simply skip the ground beef and use vegetarian chili.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy.
This is one of those dinners my daughter asks for again and again, which tells me it belongs in our family cookbook forever.

Nutrition

Serving: 350g | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 980mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 4mg