Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect dish for any family gathering or comfort food night. This recipe combines crispy tater tots, hearty chili, and gooey cheese to create a dish everyone will love. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and is sure to please both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to use ingredients you might already have in your pantry!

How to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

1 bag of frozen tater tots
2 cans of chili (with or without beans)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of chopped green onions

“Chili cheese tater tot casserole” in a glass baking dish, with golden crispy tater tots and melted cheese on top of a hearty chili meat layer, a scoop taken out to show the cheesy filling. — This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is loaded with hearty chili, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tater tots — the ultimate family favorite comfort dish.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom.
Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is best served hot right out of the oven. You can serve it as the main dish or as a side. Feel free to add extra toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or additional cheese for an extra kick.

How to Store Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but it’s best to use the oven for a crispy texture.

Tips to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Use your favorite chili recipe or store-bought chili for convenience.
For a little extra flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder to the chili before baking.
Make sure to check on the casserole in the oven to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot.

MEAL PREP & MAKE-AHEAD TIPS

CHILI CHEESE TATER TOT CASSEROLE IS GREAT FOR MAKE-AHEAD DINNERS AND GAME DAY MEAL PREP. YOU CAN ASSEMBLE THE ENTIRE DISH—TATER TOTS, CHILI, AND CHEESE—IN THE BAKING DISH, COVER IT WELL, AND STORE IT IN THE FRIDGE FOR UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE BAKING. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO COOK, JUST POP IT INTO THE OVEN, ADDING A FEW EXTRA MINUTES IF IT’S GOING IN COLD. YOU CAN ALSO BAKE THE CASSEROLE COMPLETELY, LET IT COOL, AND PORTION IT INTO INDIVIDUAL CONTAINERS FOR EASY REHEATABLE LUNCHES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. IT’S A GREAT OPTION FOR BUSY DAYS WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING HEARTY READY TO GO.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding cooked ground beef or turkey for added protein. Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. You can even throw in some veggies like bell peppers or corn for a healthier twist!

FAQs

- CAN I USE FRESH TATER TOTS INSTEAD OF FROZEN?
  YES, YOU CAN USE FRESH OR HOMEMADE TATER TOTS, BUT THE BAKING TIME MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY. FROZEN TOTS ARE PARTIALLY COOKED AND CRISP UP QUICKLY, WHILE FRESH ONES MIGHT NEED A LITTLE LONGER TO BROWN AND COOK THROUGH. JUST KEEP AN EYE ON THE TOP—IF THE CHEESE IS MELTED BUT THE TOTS AREN’T CRISPY ENOUGH, YOU CAN LEAVE THE CASSEROLE IN THE OVEN A BIT LONGER OR SWITCH TO BROIL FOR A MINUTE OR TWO, WATCHING CLOSELY SO IT DOESN’T BURN.
- CAN I FREEZE CHILI CHEESE TATER TOT CASSEROLE?
  YES, THIS CASSEROLE FREEZES WELL AND IS PERFECT FOR STOCKING THE FREEZER. YOU CAN FREEZE IT BEFORE BAKING BY ASSEMBLING THE DISH, WRAPPING IT TIGHTLY IN PLASTIC WRAP AND FOIL, AND FREEZING FOR UP TO 2 MONTHS. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO BAKE, THAW IT IN THE REFRIGERATOR OVERNIGHT, THEN BAKE AS DIRECTED, ADDING EXTRA TIME IF NEEDED. YOU CAN ALSO FREEZE LEFTOVER COOKED CASSEROLE IN INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS, WHICH MAKES QUICK LUNCHES OR DINNERS—JUST REHEAT IN THE OVEN OR MICROWAVE UNTIL HOT.
- IS THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE?
  IT CAN BE, BUT YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR INGREDIENTS. MANY BRANDS OF TATER TOTS AND CANNED CHILI ARE NATURALLY GLUTEN-FREE, BUT SOME MAY CONTAIN ADDED WHEAT OR THICKENERS. ALWAYS READ THE LABELS ON THE TATER TOTS, CHILI, AND ANY SEASONINGS YOU USE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE. IF ALL YOUR PACKAGED INGREDIENTS ARE GLUTEN-FREE, THEN THE CASSEROLE ITSELF WILL BE GLUTEN-FREE AND SAFE FOR THOSE AVOIDING GLUTEN.