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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole featured image showcases a delicious and comforting dish.

Easy Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

This Easy Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or potluck. Layers of hearty chili, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese come together for a flavorful and customizable meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet chili seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream optional
  • Green onions optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Dutch oven (optional)
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Pour the chili into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  9. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chili. Try to cover as much of the chili as possible.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  12. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  13. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
  14. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, and jalapenos.
  15. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispy tater tots, bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.