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A bubbling chili cheese tater tot casserole, fresh from the oven, with a golden crust.

Classic Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole with Smoked Paprika

This hearty casserole combines savory chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting meal. Smoked paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor to this family-friendly dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 15 ounce kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce diced tomatoes undrained
  • 8 ounce tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tater Tot & Cheese Topping
  • 32 ounce frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheddar-jack blend
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream
  • chopped green onions
  • extra shredded cheese
  • pickled jalapeños
  • fresh lime juice

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Chili
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat, then drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Assemble and Bake
  1. (Optional but recommended): Spread frozen tater tots on a separate baking sheet and pre-bake for 10-15 minutes for ultimate crispiness.
  2. Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  3. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the chili layer.
  4. Arrange the pre-baked (or frozen) tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, avoiding too much overlap.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove the casserole, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  7. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
  8. Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the casserole and serve with your preferred toppings.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture. You can also customize toppings with avocado, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro. This casserole is perfect for meal prepping; simply store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.