Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two favourites: chili and crispy tater tots.
Easy, family-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd.
Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Great for leftovers and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or turkey
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Bell pepper (diced)
Kidney beans or black beans (drained and rinsed)
Crushed or diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce or passata
Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar or a cheese blend
Frozen tater tots

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened.
Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
Add beans, crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Transfer the chili mixture to a casserole dish.
Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the chili.
Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden.
Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, green onions or jalapeños.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~25–35 minutes
Total time: ~40–50 minutes

Variations

Swap beef for turkey or a plant-based mince.
Add corn, zucchini or spinach to the chili mixture.
Use spicy tater tots or add extra chili flakes for heat.
Top with pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavour.
Make it smoky by adding chipotle peppers or smoked paprika.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to re-crisp the tater tots, or microwave individual servings (texture may soften slightly).

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the chili layer, cover and refrigerate. Add tater tots just before baking.

Do I have to cook the tater tots first?

No. Frozen tater tots crisp in the oven during baking.

Can I use canned chili instead of homemade?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut. Simply pour into the dish, top with cheese and tots, then bake.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar melts well, but Monterey Jack, Colby or a Mexican blend also work beautifully.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Use plant-based mince or extra beans and vegetables.

How can I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños, chili flakes, chipotle peppers or use spicy chili powder.

Can I use different beans?

Yes. Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans or a mix all work well.

Will the tater tots stay crispy when reheated?

They may lose some crispiness, but reheating in the oven improves texture.

Can I add extra toppings?

Sure. Sour cream, green onions, cilantro, chopped tomatoes or avocado make great additions.

Is it okay to freeze before baking?

Yes. Assemble but do not bake. Freeze, then bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Conclusion

This tater tot chili casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, blending savoury, hearty chili with a crispy tater tot topping and melted cheese. It’s easy, satisfying and endlessly customisable — perfect for busy nights, potlucks or simply when you crave a cozy, flavour-packed meal. Enjoy it hot straight from the oven for maximum comfort.

Tater Tot Chili Casserole

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A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole made with hearty homemade chili, melted cheese and a crispy golden tater tot topping — perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks or cozy family dinners.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
Add garlic and cook briefly.
Add ground beef or turkey; cook until browned and crumbled.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
Add beans, crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; simmer 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Transfer chili to a casserole dish.
Top with an even layer of shredded cheese.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake 25–35 minutes or until tots are crisp and golden.
Serve hot with optional sour cream, green onions or jalapeños.

Notes

Add corn, zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables.
Chipotle peppers add great smoky heat.
Use plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.
Reheat in the oven to restore tater tot crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 510
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg