Ultimate Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole with a Kick
This hearty casserole combines savory ground beef chili with a cheesy layer and crispy tater tots, offering a satisfying meal with a hint of spice.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- onion, chopped
- bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for spicy kick)
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- chopped fresh green onions
- extra sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Chili Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Simmer Chili
- Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, and beef broth.
- Simmer on low for at least 15 minutes, then adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembly & Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then pour chili into a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tots are golden and crispy; add remaining cheese during the last 10 minutes for extra cheesiness.
Serving
- Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, and extra jalapeños.
Notes
For a less spicy version, omit the jalapeño. This casserole is perfect for a crowd and reheats well!