Description
This Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy evenings. Ground beef is combined with flavorful chili and spices, layered with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings together classic chili flavors with a crispy tater tot topping for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7)
- 28 ounces canned chili
- 10 ounces Rotel (or canned tomatoes with green chilies)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Dairy and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Other
- 32 ounces tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Chili and Rotel: Stir in the canned chili and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies into the browned beef mixture, combining well so the flavors meld.
- Season the Mixture: Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the seasoned beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the beef layer, then arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and cooked through.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the tater tots, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, chopped onions, or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Try different types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
- Make sure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crispiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
