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“Chili cheese tater tot casserole in a glass baking dish topped with golden crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and chopped green onions.”

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

A crispy, Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, comforting casserole made with chili, ground beef, and golden tater tots — the ultimate weeknight rescue meal that everyone loves. Simple ingredients, one pan, and ready with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Preheat & Prep 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 lb ground beef - or turkey for lighter version
  • 1 small onion - diced
  • 2 cans 15 oz chili with beans - store-bought or homemade
  • 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies - adds spice and flavor
  • 1 packet chili seasoning - optional if chili is plain
  • salt and pepper - to taste
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese - divided use
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots - use frozen, not thawed
  • cooking spray - for greasing pan
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 can corn - drained
  • 1 can black beans - drained
  • diced bell peppers - adds color and flavor
  • 8 oz cream cheese - stirred into chili for richness
Toppings
  • sour cream - for serving
  • sliced green onions - garnish
  • diced tomatoes - optional
  • sliced jalapeños - optional for spice
  • fresh cilantro - garnish
  • hot sauce - to taste

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish (For assembling and baking casserole)
  • 1 Large skillet (For browning ground beef and onions)
  • 1 Wooden Spoon (For stirring meat and chili mixture)
  • 1 Can opener (For opening chili and tomato cans)
  • 1 Cheese grater (If using block cheese)
  • 1 Oven mitts (For safe handling of hot dish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside for assembly.
    “Close-up of a hand brushing melted butter or oil onto a baking dish with a pastry brush, with flour sprinkled nearby.”
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6–8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
    “Cast-iron skillet filled with browned ground beef, diced onions, and green bell peppers being sautéed with a wooden spoon.”
  3. Stir in canned chili, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chili seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, sprinkle with 2 cups of cheese, and arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until tots are golden and crispy. Add remaining cheese and bake 5 more minutes until melted. Rest 5 minutes before serving with toppings.
    “Chili cheese tater tot casserole in a glass baking dish topped with golden crispy tater tots, melted cheese, and chopped green onions.”

Nutrition

Serving: 350gCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 34gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1280mgPotassium: 920mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 360mgIron: 4.5mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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