I’ve always loved comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is exactly that for me. The moment I first made it, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of crispy tater tots, hearty chili, and melted cheese brings together textures and flavors that everyone loves. It’s one of those recipes that instantly reminds you of cozy family dinners and casual gatherings with friends.
You will love this recipe because it’s not only incredibly satisfying but also simple enough to make any weeknight feel special. Every bite is a balance of savory and cheesy goodness, with the tater tots adding a perfect crunch. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course, a side dish, or even as a party favorite that disappears before anyone can grab a second helping.
This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can swap in different cheeses, adjust the chili to be milder or spicier, or add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to increase the nutritional value. It’s a blank canvas for creativity while still staying delicious and comforting.
Affordability is another reason this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my collection. The ingredients are easy to find, reasonably priced, and pantry-friendly. It’s perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 cup chicken ham, diced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 cup tomato sauce
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
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2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
This casserole brings together everyday ingredients into a hearty, cheesy dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is easier than it looks, and it comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The process combines sautéing, layering, and baking, creating a dish that is both hearty and crowd-pleasing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the tater tots become crispy.
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Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until it is fully browned, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. This step brings out the savory flavor and forms the base of your chili layer.
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Add diced chicken ham to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and mix with the beef.
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Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This adds depth and sweetness to the chili.
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Mix in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The beans provide texture and protein, while the tomato base keeps the dish moist.
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Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices according to your taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
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Simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld while thickening the chili.
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Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Layer the chili mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms a hearty foundation for the tater tots and cheese.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference for cheesiness.
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Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Ensure they are evenly spaced so they bake uniformly and turn golden brown.
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Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. The cheese should melt completely, and the tater tots should be crispy and golden.
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Optional broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to achieve extra crispiness on the tater tots. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to cut into portions.
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Serve warm with optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
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Frozen tater tots do not need thawing before baking.
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Customize with additional vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
This casserole is popular with both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Its combination of chili, cheese, and crispy tater tots creates a comfort food favorite that everyone will ask for again.
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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory chili, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese into a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, it’s simple to make, customizable, and budget-friendly.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chicken ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned.
- Add diced chicken ham and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent.
- Mix in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce; stir well.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly.
- Simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread the chili mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden.
- Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Notes
Pre-shredded cheese saves time.
Frozen tater tots do not need thawing.
Customize with vegetables or different cheeses as desired.
Adjust chili spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with tater tots and cheese just before baking to maintain crispiness.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the ground beef and chicken ham with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the chili mixture. Adjust gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
5. Can I freeze the casserole?
You can freeze the uncooked casserole assembled in a freezer-safe dish. Bake it from frozen, adding extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.