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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the chili and tater tots. This will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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