Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Chili cheese tater tot casserole in a baking dish.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

If you're looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, this chili cheese tater tot casserole is it! If you've never combined meaty chili with crispy tater tots, you're in for a real comfort food treat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 381kcal
Author: Ashley Boyd

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef, I used 93% lean
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 can dark red kidney beans
  • 1 can pinto beans
  • 1, 14.5 oz can fire rosted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1, 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots also called potato puffs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Freshly chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • In a Dutch oven or large deep skillet, cook the chopped onion and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey and break apart with a wooden spoon. Season with chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Cook the turkey until no longer pink.
  • Add the beans, tomatoes, and broth and stir the chili to combine. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the chili for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
  • Transfer the chili to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and neatly place frozen tots on top in a single layer. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Carefully sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole and bake for an additional five minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions, cool slightly, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Save time by using canned chili instead of making your own. Three 15-ounce cans should work great.
  • Ground beef, shredded or ground chicken, shredded brisket, or chopped smoked sausage are great substitutions for ground turkey.
  • Make the chili, assemble this casserole in the baking dish the night before, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • Leftover chili cheese tater tot casserole can be stored in the baking dish covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.3g | Protein: 18.2g | Fat: 16.5g | Saturated Fat: 5.6g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 791mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 8.8g | Sugar: 6.3g | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 4mg