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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole in a white baking dish, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy golden tater tots, and fresh chopped green onions.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

5 from 1 vote
This easy Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and hearty chili into one family-favorite comfort meal. It’s quick to assemble, uses pantry staples, and delivers unbeatable flavor with every bite — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the kids can help make!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 7
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef - Can substitute turkey or vegetarian crumbles
  • 1 medium Yellow onion - Diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic - Minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) Chili - Canned or homemade
  • 1 can (10 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies - Adds spice and flavor
  • 1 packet Taco seasoning - To season beef
  • Salt and pepper - To taste
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese - Divided; part for middle, part for topping
  • 4 oz Cream cheese - Softened
  • ½ cup Sour cream - For creaminess
  • 1 bag (32 oz) Frozen tater tots - Do not thaw before baking
  • Sliced green onions - For garnish
  • Pickled jalapeños - Optional topping
  • Fresh cilantro - Optional garnish

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish (Grease before layering)
  • 1 Large skillet (For browning beef and building chili base)
  • 1 Wooden spoon (To stir and break apart beef)
  • 1 Cheese grater (Freshly grated cheese melts best)
  • 1 Can opener (For chili and diced tomatoes)

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Stir in canned chili and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors blend.
  4. Spread the chili mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Add dollops of cream cheese, spread sour cream over top, and sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese mixture, pressing slightly into the surface. Do not thaw tater tots first.
  6. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier scooping and serving.
  8. Top with extra shredded cheese (optional), sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 320gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 26gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1180mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

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