Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

$- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup frozen or canned corn - 1 packet taco seasoning mix - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 2 cups frozen tater tots - Salt and black pepper to taste - Cooking spray for greasing Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole starts with hearty ingredients. Ground beef or turkey gives protein and flavor. Chili beans and diced tomatoes add a rich, saucy base. Corn brings sweetness to balance the spice. Taco seasoning adds a kick. The cheese melts beautifully on top. Tater tots create a crispy layer, making each bite delightful. - ½ cup chopped green onions - Sour cream or guacamole For those who love a fresh touch, chopped green onions brighten the dish. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole gives creaminess. These toppings enhance the flavors and make the dish even more inviting. - 9x13 inch baking dish - Large skillet - Spatula You will need a 9x13 inch baking dish for the casserole. A large skillet cooks the meat and combines the ingredients. A spatula helps mix and serve. These tools make the cooking process smooth and simple. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spray it lightly with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. Once it is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in 1 can of chili beans (with sauce), 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of corn. Add a packet of taco seasoning mix, plus a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Mix it all well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend nicely. Carefully pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to form a base layer. This will hold all the deliciousness inside. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture. This cheesy layer adds great flavor and richness. Take 2 cups of frozen tater tots and arrange them on top of the cheese. Lay them out in a single layer. This helps them get crispy while baking. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once the tater tots are done, pull the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for an extra 5 minutes. This makes the cheese melt and bubble beautifully. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish it with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve it warm and enjoy! If you want to swap ground meat, try ground chicken or lentils. Both work well. For a vegan option, use plant-based ground meat or mushrooms. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy texture. To ensure even cooking of tater tots, spread them out well in the dish. Do not crowd them. This helps them get crispy all around. For flavor enhancement, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder. This will give your casserole a tasty kick. Pair your casserole with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies. This adds freshness to your meal. For presentation, serve right from the baking dish. Use a large spoon to scoop portions. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top makes it even better. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chili: If you have leftover chili, feel free to use it in place of the canned chili beans for an even heartier dish. Customize Your Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, black olives, or even crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Make It Spicy: If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Storage Tips: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. {{image_4}} Want to add some heat? Try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. You can mix chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. For extra kick, drizzle hot sauce over the top before baking. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level. This adds a nice zing to every bite. If you want a lighter dish, use leaner meat like ground turkey. You can also swap in veggies for the meat. For example, use black beans or lentils. This makes it healthier while still tasty. You can add more corn or even spinach for extra nutrients. Cheese is a big part of this dish. While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. Try using pepper jack for a spicy twist. Mozzarella gives a milder flavor and great melt. You can also mix different cheeses together. This adds depth to the flavor and makes it fun to create. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to eat, just reheat a portion. Freezing this casserole is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw first. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings for quick meals. Just heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Before serving, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can make your own taco seasoning at home. Mix these spices: - 1 tsp chili powder - 1 tsp cumin - 1 tsp paprika - ½ tsp garlic powder - ½ tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste This blend works great as a substitute for taco seasoning. Yes, this casserole is great for freezing. To freeze it, make the dish up to the point of baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake it as directed, adding a bit of time if it’s still cold. This blog covers a tasty Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. We discussed key ingredients like ground meat, cheese, and tater tots. Steps include browning meat, combining ingredients, and baking. I offered tips on swaps and cooking, plus ways to serve. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and add your touch. Whether for family dinner or a game day snack, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy every bite!$

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole featuring layers of chili, cheese, and crispy tater tots.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 packet taco seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups frozen tater tots
½ cup green onions, chopped
to taste Salt and black pepper
for greasing Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the chili beans (with their sauce), drained diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mixture.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic presentation. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top of each serving.

Keyword casserole, cheese, chili, tater tots