Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

🧂 Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this simple casserole recipe:

• Ground Beef - I like to use 85% lean ground beef. You could also make this with ground turkey or a plant-based ground beef substitute.
• Onion - Either sweet onions or yellow onions work in this recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies - This provides the base for the sauce mixture. You can use any variety you like.
• Chili Beans - I look for red beans in a mild chili sauce.
• Shredded Cheese - Shredded cheddar cheese is delicious, but Pepper Jack is also great if you like more spicy foods.
• Frozen Tater Tots - These do not need to be thawed before adding to the top of the casserole
• Taco Seasoning - Either homemade or store-bought seasoning is fine. For more heat, add cayenne pepper.

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⭐ Ang's Tips

✔️ This easy chili cheese tater tot casserole can be made in two 8x8 or 9x9 pans as well. You could even make it in a Dutch oven if you wanted.

✔️ For freezing, prepare the casserole in an aluminum foil pan so you don't tie up your baking dishes in the freezer.

🍲 Storage

To Store: Leftover Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals until heated throughout.

To Freeze: Prepare the casserole according to the instructions but do not bake or add additional cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and then slide the casserole into a 2-gallon freezer bag. Label and store for up to 3 months.

To Thaw: Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge.

When ready to bake, remember that cold casseroles take a little bit longer. Once the tater tots are golden brown on top and the casserole is hot throughout, top with the remaining cheese.

Leftover Chili Casserole

This recipe can also be made with leftover chili instead of the ground beef, tomato, and bean mixture. Use 5½ cups of homemade chili. Assemble and bake per the instructions in the recipe card.

Beef chili, vegan chili, turkey chili, or chicken chili all taste amazing and would work well in this alternate version of the recipe.

📖 Variations

The first time you try any new recipe, we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how our Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our recipe, you might want to try one of these ideas:

This tater tot chili recipe can be made with ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey. It also works with any leftover shredded chicken, pulled pork, or shredded beef.

You can also use a can of chili instead of chili beans and canned tomatoes if you like.

For a spicer flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder to the meat mixture. You could also use pepper jack cheese for additional heat.

Out of something you need? Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable!

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is perfect for cooler weather! Garnish with green onions or chives, if desired. It's tasty with a dollop of sour cream on top, too. A fresh green salad or cornbread are great options for a side dish.

😋 Similar Recipes

If you love this chili cheese tater tot casserole recipe, you'll want to also try our recipe for shepherd's pie with tater tots next time.

Here are some more delicious casserole recipes using ground beef:

• hamburger and potato casserole
• Philly cheesesteak casserole
• big mac casserole
• Greek spaghetti casserole
• slow cooker Mexican casserole

And if you love beef casserole recipes, check out this collection of easy ground beef casseroles.

Related: Tater Tot Casserole Recipes