Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines crispy tater tots, savory chili, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Tater Tots
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
Chili
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili, with or without beans
Dairy and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Layer Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add Chili: Pour the two cans of chili evenly over the layer of tater tots, making sure to cover them completely for a flavorful bite every time.
- Cheese and Sour Cream Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili, then dollop the sour cream evenly across the top for creaminess.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Green Onions: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, followed by the chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly pungent finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can use chili with or without beans depending on your preference.
- For extra heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili layer.
- Feel free to substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild cheddar or substitute with Monterey Jack cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked when ready, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: tater tot casserole, chili cheese casserole, easy casserole recipe, comfort food, baked tater tots, family dinner