If you’re searching for a meal that guarantees happy faces around the dinner table, look no further than Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole. With its cozy layers of savory chili, crispy tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole is pure comfort on a plate. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites, and simple enough to whip up on even your busiest night. The best part? Every bite is packed with bold flavor, melty cheese, and that irresistible crunch from golden tater tots. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in creating the magic of Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole. From the rich, meaty base to the melty cheese and iconic tater tot topping, every component brings something wonderful to the party.

Ground beef or turkey: Pick your favorite for a hearty, flavorful base—turkey makes it a little lighter, but both are delicious!
Onion: A small diced onion adds sweetness and depth that meld beautifully into the chili.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for that classic savory aroma and punch.
Chili beans (undrained): These add creaminess, protein, and that signature chili flavor—don’t drain, as the liquid helps bind the filling.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring tangy brightness and a gentle kick of heat to the mix.
Tomato sauce: Adds body and a rich, saucy texture to the chili layer.
Chili powder: A tablespoon is the secret to a deep, warming spice profile.
Cumin: Just a half teaspoon gives a subtle, earthy background note.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, making all the flavors pop.
Shredded cheddar cheese: That melty, gooey layer in the middle and on top is non-negotiable!
Frozen tater tots: The star of the topping—crispy, golden, and so much fun to eat.
Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Cook the ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion, breaking up the meat as it browns. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes—make sure everything is cooked through and the onions have turned soft and fragrant. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter, less greasy casserole.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Chili

Once your meat and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—this releases its amazing aroma without burning. Next, add the chili beans (with their liquid), diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can mingle and become best friends.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the chili mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese right over the chili layer—this is your melty, cheesy surprise in the middle! Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top. Take a moment to line them up—it’s oddly satisfying, and it helps the tots get perfectly crispy during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide your casserole dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown, crispy, and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Finally, scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until it’s melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up nicely.

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

To take your Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole from tasty to truly memorable, sprinkle it with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro right before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy chili and crispy tots. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few slices of jalapeño or a hot sauce drizzle can really wake up your taste buds!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of steamed veggies. Cornbread or warm flour tortillas also make excellent companions, perfect for sopping up every last bit of chili goodness. A side of fresh fruit can brighten up the plate and balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own personal portion, which feels extra special! Or, scoop it onto a platter and let everyone top their serving with their favorite garnishes, build-your-own style. Leftovers also make fantastic stuffed burritos or taco fillings the next day for a creative meal makeover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole keep beautifully in the fridge. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this casserole ahead or save some for a rainy day, it freezes like a dream! Simply let the baked casserole cool, then wrap the dish tightly in foil or transfer servings to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. For the crispiest tater tots, uncover for the last few minutes of baking. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground meat for your favorite plant-based crumbles or use extra beans and veggies. The casserole will still be hearty and packed with flavor.

What can I use instead of chili beans?

If you don’t have chili beans, kidney beans or black beans work well—just add a little extra chili powder or cumin to boost the flavor.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, add a diced jalapeño to the chili or use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with green chilies. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the chili base is another great option.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Of course! While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add their own delicious spin to Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole enough for anyone craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s big on flavor and short on fuss. Whether it’s a busy school night or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a beloved regular in your dinner rotation!

Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy evenings. Featuring a flavorful chili base made with ground beef or turkey, beans, and tomatoes, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a simple crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and a deliciously cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can chili beans (undrained)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped green onions or cilantro

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Cook Meat and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion for about 6–8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, which enhances the chili’s flavor.
Simmer Chili Mixture: Add chili beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese-covered chili.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Top with Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, then return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and color.

Notes

For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño to the chili mixture or use hot diced tomatoes.
Enhance the veggie content by stirring in corn or bell peppers with the chili mixture.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess.
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner alternative.
Make sure to crisp the tater tots well for the best texture contrast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American