Name: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with or without green chiles); 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or black beans (optional), drained and rinsed; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold, savory flavor. It combines seasoned chili, gooey melted cheese, and crispy golden tater tots in one crowd-pleasing bake. I love making it for cozy weeknights, game days, or any time I want a satisfying, no-fuss meal that hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to throw together and absolutely loaded with flavor. The chili is rich and comforting, the cheese melts into every bite, and the tater tots bake up perfectly crisp on top. It’s one of those all-in-one meals that fills everyone up and makes great leftovers too. Plus, it’s totally customizable depending on what I have in the kitchen. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt and black pepper
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes (with or without green chiles)
Kidney beans or black beans (optional)
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Frozen tater tots
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, hot sauce

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned.
I drain any excess fat and stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
I add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans (if using), letting the mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes.
I pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
I sprinkle shredded cheese over the chili layer.
I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
I bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
I let it cool slightly before serving and top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if I’m feeling spicy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, and bake time is 35–40 minutes, so total time is around 50–55 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. When I want it extra cheesy, I mix some shredded cheese into the chili layer before baking. For a Tex-Mex spin, I stir in corn, black beans, and a pinch of taco seasoning. I’ve also added chopped green chiles or hot sauce for more kick.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes until hot. The oven helps keep the tater tots crispy. This casserole also freezes well—just let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

FAQs

Can I use canned chili instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, I’ve used canned chili before for a shortcut. I just warm it up slightly and layer it with cheese and tots the same way.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

I bake the casserole uncovered and don’t overcrowd the top. A hot oven and a single layer of tots are key for crispiness.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chili layer in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, I top it with cheese and frozen tots, then bake.

What kind of cheese works best?

I usually use sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for melt and flavor, but pepper jack is great if I want a spicier version.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the meat and use more beans, corn, or a meat alternative. It still turns out hearty and delicious.

Conclusion

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is one of those feel-good dinners that never fails to satisfy. I love the layers of rich chili, melted cheese, and crispy tots all in one bite. It’s easy to make, even easier to love, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or freezing for later. Whether it’s game night, a cold evening, or just a comfort food craving, this dish always hits the mark.