Description
This Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy evenings. Ground beef is simmered with chili beans, tomatoes, and spices, then layered with cheese and crispy tater tots. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal that combines classic chili flavors with a fun, crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Chili Mixture: Add the chili beans (with liquid), drained diced tomatoes, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili, then arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture if you prefer extra spice.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.
- Serve with sour cream and green onions for added flavor and garnish.
