Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
I am loving this twist to the traditional tater tot casserole. This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is like making loaded tater tots in a casserole dish. Chili, shredded cheese and tater tots make up this delicious casserole that is quick and easy to put together.
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chili. When making homemade chili there are almost always leftovers. Which I like to freeze for later meals. I usually make chili dogs with my leftover chili, but this chili cheese tater tot casserole is a great way to use chili in a different way.
It is really simple to make and can be ready in an hour, if you are using leftover chili. No leftover chili? Use your favorite canned chili for this recipe.
The best part of this delicious dish are the crispy tater tots on top. Baking the tater tots fully before assembling the casserole helps keep the tater tots nice and crispy. Once baked, the top layer stays nice and crispy making the casserole so good!
I have a whole post about making Chili. You can use my recipe or make your favorite recipe.
- Bake - Bake the tater tots until fully cooked and crispy.
- Heat the chili - Heating the chili while the tater tots bake helps move this recipe along faster.
- Assemble - Place a layer of tater tots on the bottom of a casserole dish and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese. Next, spread over the chili and top with another layer of tater tots. Top with more shredded cheese.
- Bake - Pop in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Longer if you didn't heat the chili. Enjoy!
Top with your favorite chili toppings!
- Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Diced yellow or white onions.
- Sour cream.
- Add cooked and sliced hot dogs to the chili.
Absolutely! Fried tater tots work really well in this recipe. Baking the tater tots just makes the process go faster. As far as flavor goes, fried tater tots would certainly be better. So, if you have the time, go for it!
The easiest way to reheat tater tot casserole is to reheat it in the oven. To do this, place it in an oven safe dish, cover and reheat at 350° F for 25-30 minutes or until hot all the way through. I find this is the best way to reheat tater tot casserole and still have crispy tater tots.
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is ideal for busy weeknights and an excellent way to use leftover chili. Whether you prepare your own chili or opt for canned, this tater tot casserole is sure to be a hit!
- 2 pounds tater tots (fully cooked)
- 5 cups chili (* See notes)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Bake the tater tots according to the package directions.
While the tater tots are baking heat the chili up. Lightly oil a 9"x13" baking dish.
Sprinkle the tots with a little salt if desired and layer half of the tots on the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the tots. Spread over the chili.
Top with the remaining tots and shredded cheese. Place in a 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
Here is my recipe for Chili or you can use your favorite homemade or canned chili for this recipe.
Bake the tater tot casserole longer if you choose to not heat the chili first.
Thank you for stopping by!