Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole tastes like chili cheese fries in casserole form and is perfect for busy family dinners.
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
- box grater
Ingredients
- 1 bag tater tots (32 oz.)
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion chopped
- A few shakes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 8 ounces water (use the empty tomato sauce can to measure)
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (8 oz.)
- Sour cream optional
- Green onions sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the tater tots in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.1 bag tater tots
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef with the salt, pepper, and onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain if necessary.1½ pounds lean ground beef, Salt and pepper, 1 medium onion
- Return the beef mixture to the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, and water.A few shakes Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 8 ounces water
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chili reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the chili evenly over the baked tater tots.
- Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese.2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve topped with sour cream and sliced green onions if desired.Sour cream, Green onions
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
♨️ REHEATING
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
- Reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes for crispier tater tots.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Bake the tater tots before adding the chili.
- Simmer the chili until thick enough to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Use canned chili instead of homemade chili for faster preparation.
- Assemble and bake in a cast-iron skillet.
- Prepare the chili in a Dutch oven before assembling.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Spoon leftovers into tortillas for easy burritos.
- Serve leftovers over baked potatoes.
- Top leftovers with a fried egg for breakfast.
📝 NOTES
- Add a can of drained and rinsed beans if desired.
- Homemade chili provides the best flavor, but canned chili works well in a pinch.
- Adjust the chili consistency before assembling the casserole to suit your preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 922mg | Potassium: 763mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1010IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 4mg
