Description
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake that layers crispy tots over a hearty beef chili with beans and tomatoes, finished with melty cheddar. This family-friendly dinner is simple to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks. Made with halal ground beef, it delivers protein and comfort in every bite. Top with green onions or sour cream for extra zing; serves about 6. Great make-ahead option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (halal)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
- Spread the chili mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Add toppings if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the tots uncovered until deeply golden.
- You can use homemade chili instead of canned beans and tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Leftovers refrigerate 3–4 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, tater tot casserole, chili cheese casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food, kid-friendly dinner, potluck casserole