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A cozy homemade Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole bubbling hot from the oven

Classic Cozy homemade Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This hearty casserole combines savory chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family meal. It's an easy-to-make dish that delivers big on flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chili Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can (15-ounce) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans
  • 1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 packet (1.25 ounces) chili seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (32-ounce) frozen tater tots

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Spoon

Method
 

Chili Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, cook until no pink remains, and drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce.
  4. Stir in chili seasoning mix, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Casserole Assembly & Baking
  1. Transfer chili mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the chili.
  2. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and cheese is bubbly and melted.
  4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture. This casserole is great for meal prepping and can be reheated easily. Serve with a side of sour cream and green onions for garnish, if desired.