Main Dishes

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

ByAmaya Haris October 11, 2025October 11, 2025

Introduction

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of crispy tater tots, hearty chili, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and easily.

A close-up of a three-layer dish in a clear glass baking dish showing a bottom layer of browned ground meat in red sauce, a middle layer of melted cheese stretching down the sides, and a top layer of golden-brown crispy tater tots evenly covering the surface, with some cheese melting on them. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred kitchen background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag of frozen tater tots
2 cans of chili (with or without beans)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom.
Step 3: Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 7: Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a layer of cooked ground beef or sausage before adding the chili.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked casserole in a clear glass dish, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rich, dark brown meaty sauce with visible chunks of ground meat; the middle layer consists of melted white and orange cheese, soft and stringy, oozing down slightly over the edges; the top layer is a golden-brown topping of small, round potato bites, crispy and evenly baked, with a slightly shiny texture from the melted cheese surrounding them, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Is it okay to use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade chili works wonderfully and can add a personalized touch to the dish. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold together when layered.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

A hearty and comforting Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole featuring crispy tater tots baked under a layer of savory chili and melted cheddar cheese, topped with creamy sour cream and fresh green onions for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Author: Amaya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 bag of frozen tater tots (approximately 32 oz)

Toppings

2 cans of chili (with or without beans, about 15 oz each)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the casserole thoroughly and achieving a crispy top.
Prepare the Base Layer: In a large baking dish, evenly spread the frozen tater tots to form the base layer of your casserole. This will provide a crispy and golden foundation for the dish.
Add the Chili: Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. This infuses the casserole with rich, savory flavors.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the chili and tater tots. This will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly, and the tater tots are cooked through and crispy on the edges.
Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, tangy contrast and added texture.

Notes

You can use chili with or without beans depending on your preference.
For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
To make it vegetarian, use a bean chili or meat substitute.
Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate; bake it just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chili cheese casserole, tater tot casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, baked casserole

Amaya Haris

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