Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option) - 1 can (15 oz) of your favorite chili (choose with or without beans based on preference) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or more for extra flavor) - 1/2 cup onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream or guacamole {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking. - In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. - Add 1/2 cup of diced onion and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper. Cook them until soft, about 5 minutes. - Next, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, around 7 to 10 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks. - Drain any extra fat. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and cook for another minute. - In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat, 1 can of chili, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. - Add half of the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese. Stir well to combine. - Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. - Take a bag of frozen tater tots and layer them over the beef mixture in a single row. - Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top of the tater tots. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color on the tater tots for doneness. - Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy! To avoid soggy tater tots, keep a few things in mind. First, use a baking dish that isn’t too deep. This helps the heat circulate. Next, bake at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for an even cook. Finally, don’t cover the casserole with foil while it bakes. This keeps the tots crispy. For browning meat, make sure your skillet is hot. This helps the meat sear well. Break the meat into small pieces. This allows it to brown evenly. Stir often but not too much. Let it sit for a minute to get a nice brown crust. Want to boost flavors? Try adding seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika. These add depth to your dish. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for extra heat. When it comes to cheese, feel free to mix it up. Use gouda for a creamy touch or mozzarella for a chewy bite. Each cheese gives a different taste, so have fun with it! Serving for a gathering? Cut the casserole into squares and place them on a large platter. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves. For garnishing, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to each serving. This adds color and a creamy texture. Using a colorful plate can make your dish pop even more! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and bell peppers can enhance the flavor of your casserole, so consider chopping them just before cooking for maximum taste. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique twist and to cater to your cheese preferences. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal later. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use vegetarian chili instead of regular chili. This swap keeps the flavor rich without meat. You can also substitute plant-based meat for the ground beef. There are many tasty options available in stores now. These choices let you enjoy the casserole without losing taste. If you're looking for a healthier dish, try using low-fat ingredients. Choose lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also use low-fat cheese to cut calories. Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition of the meal. Consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or spinach. These veggies add color and taste. Want to spice things up? You can add jalapeños for heat. Slice them thin and mix them into the beef. If you prefer a sweet taste, try barbecue sauce. Mixing barbecue sauce with chili creates a unique flavor. Each variation brings out new tastes and makes this dish fun! To store your leftovers, let the casserole cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the fridge. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They help prevent the casserole from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Leftovers can last 3 to 4 days when stored properly. Make sure to label the containers with the date. You can freeze the casserole before baking. To do this, assemble the dish as directed but skip the baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Check that it's heated all the way through. In the fridge, your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange color, it's best to toss it. Keeping track of the date is key to enjoying this dish safely. You can serve this dish with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Cornbread: Soft and sweet, it pairs well with the casserole. - Coleslaw: Crunchy and fresh, it adds a nice contrast. - Green salad: A simple salad with greens and vinaigrette balances the meal. For dips, consider: - Salsa: Fresh salsa adds a nice kick. - Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it enhances the flavors. - Sour cream: A dollop on top offers coolness. Yes, you can prep this dish before cooking. Here are some tips: - Prepare the filling: Cook the meat and mix it with the other ingredients. Store in the fridge. - Assemble: If you want, you can layer the tater tots on top before baking. For reheating: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot. This casserole can be gluten-free with some changes. Here are some tips: - Chili: Choose a brand that is gluten-free. Check the label. - Cream of mushroom soup: Look for gluten-free versions or make your own. - Tater tots: Many brands are gluten-free, but check the packaging. Avoid any ingredients that contain wheat or gluten. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. We explored the key ingredients, like ground beef and cheese, and extra toppings. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and shared helpful tips for the best results. You learned about variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Now, you can enjoy this simple and fun dish. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Give it a try and savor the flavors!

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring ground beef, chili, and crispy tater tots.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 can (15 oz) your favorite chili
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 0.5 cup onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • In a large skillet, on medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they become tender and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Introducing the ground beef to the skillet, cook until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks—this should take around 7 to 10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat before moving on.
  • Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well, allowing it to cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, chili, the cream of mushroom soup, and half of both the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and carefully spread the beef and chili mixture evenly across the base of the dish.
  • Take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer over the beef and chili mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese over the tater tots to create a deliciously cheesy layer.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots achieve a golden-brown color and become crispy to the touch.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot to enjoy!

Notes

For an inviting presentation, cut the casserole into squares and serve directly from the baking dish or transfer to individual plates. Enhance each serving with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chili, tater tots