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A serving of tater tot casserole topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and green onions on a white plate.
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Tater Tot Chili Casserole

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, beans, cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights and budget meals.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 549kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Measuring spoons
  • can opener

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 ounces chili beans drained
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 32 ounces frozen tater tots

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
    A skillet with cooked ground beef and minced garlic, surrounded by bowls of shredded cheese, beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and small dishes of various spices.
  • Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
    A skillet with browned ground beef, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices next to a bowl of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • In a 9x13 baking dish, spread the chili mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
    A white baking dish filled with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese, next to bowls of frozen tater tots and more shredded cheese on a white surface.
  • Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until tater tots are golden and crispy.
    A white baking dish filled with neatly arranged frozen tater tots next to a small bowl of shredded cheddar cheese on a white surface.
  • Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes before serving.
    A rectangular casserole dish filled with tater tot casserole topped with melted cheese, surrounded by bowls of sour cream, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapeños.
  • Optional: Top with sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Brown the beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
  • Let the chili mixture thicken slightly before layering.
  • Keep tater tots evenly spaced for crispiness.
  • Add the final cheese layer after baking for best melt.

Storage

Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help keep the tots crispy. Microwave works too, but the topping will be softer.
Freezing:
Freeze the fully baked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1422mg | Potassium: 943mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 841IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 273mg | Iron: 4mg