This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of savory chili, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheese creates a warm and hearty meal that your whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes for excellent leftovers too!

Why Make This Recipe

This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It requires minimal prep time and features ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or freezer. The layers of flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or even game day celebrations. Plus, kids and adults alike enjoy the fun finger-food appeal of tater tots, making this dish a winning choice for family meals.

How to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Making this delightful casserole is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time:

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

Directions:

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

How to Serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven. You can serve it as the main dish alongside a simple side salad to balance out the richness. Its toppings of sour cream and green onions add freshness and creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor. For those who enjoy a little spice, adding jalapeños or hot sauce on the side can elevate the dish even further.

How to Store Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place your desired portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it until warmed, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the tater tots.

Tips to Make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

For added flavor, consider using a chili with a bit of spice or adding some cumin and chili powder to the canned chili.
You can customize your cheese choice, using Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
To make it even creamier, you can mix some of the sour cream right into the chili before pouring it over the tater tots.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with this casserole! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black olives to the chili for some extra nutrition. For a tex-mex twist, top it with avocado slices or serve it with salsa. You can even swap out the tater tots for frozen hash browns if you prefer a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade chili will add a personal touch, and you can control the spice and ingredients to your liking.

2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.

3. What can I use as a substitute for tater tots?
If you want to try something different, frozen hash brown patties, or even cauliflower tots can work as a substitute for tater tots, providing a different flavor and texture profile.

Enjoy creating this easy and delicious Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole that promises to become a star at your family table!