This tot chili casserole layers seasoned ground beef chili under golden tater tots and melted cheese for a filling, one dish dinner.
The chili base cooks in one skillet, then everything bakes together until the tots turn crunchy. It feeds a crowd, reheats well, and makes weeknight dinner simple. Kids and grown ups both love it.
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Why This Tot Chili Casserole Recipe Works
Browning the beef with onion, garlic, and tomato paste builds a thick chili base that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Frozen tater tots crisp up directly on top of the chili, so there is no extra topping to prepare.
Everything bakes in one dish, and the cheese melts into a golden blanket that makes the casserole a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients for Tot Chili Casserole
- For the chili base: one half tablespoon olive oil, one diced medium yellow onion, two minced garlic cloves, two pounds lean ground beef, one third cup tomato paste, two tablespoons chili powder, one and a half teaspoons ground cumin, one half teaspoon kosher salt, and one half teaspoon black pepper.
- For the topping: three cups frozen tater tots and two cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Lean ground beef. Ninety three percent lean beef keeps the chili from turning greasy under the tots.
Tomato paste. Cooking it with the spices for five minutes deepens its flavor and thickens the base.
Chili powder and cumin. These two set the classic chili flavor, so taste and adjust the spice level.
Tater tots. Bake them straight from frozen so they stay firm and crunchy instead of mushy.
Cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar melts into a rich topping, though pepper jack adds some heat.
How to Make Tot Chili Casserole
1. Heat the oven Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and have a nine by thirteen baking dish ready.
2. Soften the aromatics Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Brown the beef Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks until no pink remains and it reaches 160 degrees F, then drain off the excess fat.
4. Build the chili Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook another five minutes until thick and rich.
5. Layer the casserole Spread the chili mixture across the dish, arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in rows, and scatter the cheese over everything.
6. Bake until golden Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Rest before serving Let the casserole sit for a few minutes so the layers settle and slice cleanly.
How to Serve Tot Chili Casserole
Spoon the casserole onto plates with homemade baked beans and creamy buttermilk coleslaw for a cool contrast. Add crispy fried cornbread for dipping into the chili juices, and finish with fresh peach lemonade. Top each portion with sour cream, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeno slices.
How to Store and Reheat Tot Chili Casserole
Cool the casserole within two hours, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until the center reaches 165 degrees F. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to two months, though the tots lose some crunch after thawing.
Tips and Variations for Tot Chili Casserole
Drain the beef. Pour off the extra fat before adding the paste so the casserole stays rich but not greasy.
Use frozen tots. Frozen tots hold their shape and brown better than thawed ones.
Cook to 160 degrees F. Ground beef is safe once it reaches 160 degrees F, so check the center of the skillet with a thermometer.
Add beans or corn. Stir in black beans or corn for extra texture and fiber.
Boost the heat. Diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce adds a spicy edge. Wear gloves when cutting fresh chilies.
Flag the allergens. Cheese contains milk, and some tater tots contain wheat, so read labels for guests with allergies.
Cool it right. Do not leave leftovers out for more than two hours.
Check trusted guidance. Read the University of Nebraska guide to serving soup safely for tips on safely holding chili style dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tot Chili Casserole
What goes into a tot chili casserole?
It uses seasoned ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cheese, and frozen tater tots.
Can I make tot chili casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chili layer and tots, cover tightly, and refrigerate until baking day, then add the cheese and bake until bubbly.
How do I keep tot chili casserole from getting soggy?
Bake the tots straight from frozen and keep the chili thick by cooking out extra liquid before layering.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Cook ground turkey until it reaches 165 degrees F and add a little extra oil because it is leaner.
Is this casserole spicy?
It is mild to medium. Add hot sauce or diced jalapenos to increase the heat.
Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Nine by thirteen baking dish
- Instant read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lb lean ground beef 93 percent lean
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin plus 1/2 tsp more
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cup frozen tater tots
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Saute. Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until soft.
- Brown. Add the beef and cook until browned and 160 degrees F, then drain the fat and stir in the tomato paste and spices for 5 minutes.
- Layer. Spread the chili mixture in a baking dish, top with tater tots, then cheese.
- Bake. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until the tots are golden and crisp, then rest 5 minutes.
