Name: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (approximately 32 oz) of frozen tater tots; 2 cans (15 oz each) of chili (with or without beans); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings warmth and smiles to the table, look no further than the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty dish combines crispy golden tater tots, rich chili bursting with savory flavors, and gooey melted cheddar cheese to create a layered delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to throw together and irresistibly delicious, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any moment when you want something simple yet incredibly flavorful.

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and color in the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. From the crispy foundation of tater tots to the creamy touch of sour cream, every element brings the casserole to life.

Frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden base that adds delightful crunch and heartiness.
Canned chili (with or without beans): Provides rich, savory depth and comforting warmth to the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, cheesy topping that ties everything together perfectly.
Sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast when served on top, balancing the spice and richness.
Chopped green onions: Freshness and a mild bite that brighten up the casserole’s flavors and presentation.

How to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly hot environment to crisp up those tater tots and melt the cheese to bubbly perfection.

Step 2: Build the Base with Tater Tots

Take a large baking dish and spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. This layer will transform into a crispy, golden bed that holds all the delicious chili and cheese.

Step 3: Add the Savory Chili

Pour the chili right over the tater tots, using a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly. This step infuses every bite with hearty, spicy, and savory flavors.

Step 4: Layer the Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the chili layer. As it bakes, this cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket that’s simply irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling cheese and perfectly cooked tater tots nestled beneath a delicious chili layer.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool slightly. This resting time helps everything set up for easier serving while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that creamy tang and fresh crunch that elevates every forkful.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Adding a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of fresh green onions is more than just decorative—it adds a refreshing creaminess and vibrant bite that wakes up the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, serve your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple coleslaw. These sides bring brightness and crunch that contrast perfectly with the casserole’s hearty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for charming personal portions. You can also experiment with topping variations—try jalapeños for heat or avocado slices for creamy freshness that pairs amazingly well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, retaining most of their delicious flavor and texture.

Freezing

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months, so you have a quick meal ready when you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a faster option, but the oven method keeps the tater tots crispier.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade chili adds a personal touch and fresh flavor that makes the casserole even more special. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy tater tots.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its bold flavor and excellent melting. However, you can mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamier or spicier twist.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! Feel free to top with sliced jalapeños, black olives, diced tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon to customize your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole just the way you like it.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Generally, yes—as long as your canned chili and tater tots are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure, especially for store-bought ingredients.

Can I make this vegan?

With some swaps—using vegan chili, dairy-free cheese, and sour cream alternatives—you can enjoy a vegan version that still captures the beloved flavors and textures of the original.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole has become a family favorite in so many homes. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or cozying up on a chilly evening. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it, and that it becomes a beloved dish in your own kitchen too!

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, combining crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese with a creamy sour cream topping and fresh green onions for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 bag (approximately 32 oz) of frozen tater tots
2 cans (15 oz each) of chili (with or without beans)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the casserole evenly and melt the cheese perfectly.
Arrange Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
Add Chili: Pour the chili over the tater tots and spread it out evenly to cover the potatoes completely.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer to create a rich, cheesy topping.
Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set and make it easier to serve.
Serve: Serve portions topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh and creamy finishing touch.

Notes

For a spicier twist, use chili with added jalapeños or hot sauce.
You can substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for different flavors.
Try adding cooked ground beef or turkey to the chili for extra protein.
Make sure to use frozen tater tots straight from the freezer for the crispiest texture.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Evening Meals
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American