Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, combining savory chili, gooey cheese, and crispy tater tots.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
1 (15-ounce) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1 (4-ounce) can Diced Green Chilis, undrained
2 tablespoons Chili Powder
1 tablespoon Ground Cumi
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
1 (32-ounce) bag Frozen Tater Tots

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat
Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilis. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-30 minutes
Spread the chili mixture evenly in the baking dish
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the chili
Arrange frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer
Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden brow
Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Notes

Customize the recipe with different beans, cheese, or meat substitutes.

Add additional vegetables for nutrition.

Let it cool before storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg