There’s something magical about a cozy evening spent with family, gathered around the table sharing delicious food. One dish that always warms our hearts and fills our bellies is the Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. It’s comforting, easy to whip up, and best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser! If you’re looking for a way to put a smile on everyone’s face with minimal fuss, trust me: this recipe is the way to go.
why make this recipe
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the definition of comfort food. Imagine golden, crispy tater tots topped with savory chili and melty cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chili if you have any. Just pop it in, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
how to make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!
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:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps get everything bubbly and delicious. In a large baking dish, spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom. No need for perfection here—just get them in there! Next, pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it as evenly as you can. Make sure every tot gets a little love.
Now for the best part, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese on top. You want a nice cheesy layer that melts beautifully! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes. This is tough, but trust me, it’s for the best.
When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions on top. It adds a nice kick!
how to serve Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!
This dish is best served hot right out of the oven. You can pair it with a fresh side salad for some crunch or some warm, crusty bread. I love serving it alongside garlic breadsticks for a tasty twist. Your friends and family will gobble it up!
how to store Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and you’re good to go. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe dish. I like to use my one-pan chicken dinner dish for this!
tips to make Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A Family Favorite Dish!
If you want to give this dish a personal touch, feel free to add other toppings. Some diced jalapeños can spice things up, or you might even consider adding some sautéed bell peppers for a pop of color. You could also swap in different types of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous—a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack would be amazing! And if you’re looking for an even heartier version, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or turkey. It’s always fun to get creative, just like with my baked ziti recipe.
variation (if any)
Not everyone will appreciate beans in their chili. If you prefer to avoid them, use chili without beans. Also, feel free to go meatless by using vegetarian chili or mix things up with a white chicken chili. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are cooked before layering them in the dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and then bake it when ready. Just be sure to add a bit of extra baking time since it’ll be starting from cold.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or some warm buttermilk biscuits. You could even enjoy it on its own with a cold drink.
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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting casserole with crispy tater tots, savory chili, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a large baking dish.
- Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve topped with sour cream and green onions.
Notes
Great for using up leftover chili. Try adding toppings like jalapeños or sautéed peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: chili cheese tater tot casserole, comfort food, family meals, easy recipes
