I grew up with casseroles that could feed a crowd and disappear in record time — this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is one of those family-tested winners. It’s a simple, comforting tater tot casserole that combines chili, melty cheddar, and crispy tots for a hearty weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

This chili cheese casserole is especially beloved for busy weeknights, casual game days, and when you want an easy family dinner that kids actually ask for. If you like make-ahead casserole recipes or other budget-friendly comfort food, check out 7 Easy Chicken Casseroles That Feed a Family of 4 Under $10 for more cozy ideas.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe delivers on convenience and flavor: frozen tots make it fast, canned chili keeps it affordable, and cheddar ties everything together into a gooey, satisfying bake. It’s especially great when you want a kid-friendly casserole that still feels indulgent, and it scales easily for larger families.

“My kids called it ‘tot-tastic’ — easy, cheesy, and gone in minutes. Perfect weeknight magic!” — a happy home cook

Quick wins: minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a crowd-pleasing comfort meal.

How this recipe comes together

The method is straightforward: arrange frozen tater tots in a baking dish, spoon chili over the top, blanket everything with cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. A final dollop of sour cream and fresh green onions brightens the rich, savory layers. It’s a true dump-and-bake casserole that still delivers layered textures — crispy edges, saucy chili, and molten cheese.

Gather these items

1 bag of frozen tater tots, 2 cans of chili (with or without beans), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of chopped green onions

Substitution tips:

Use ground beef or turkey chili if you prefer homemade chili flavor.
Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier chili cheese casserole.
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier, higher-protein option.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
Pour the chili over the tater tots, spreading it so the tots are well covered.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tots are heated through.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or a simple slaw to cut the richness. For texture contrast, offer crunchy pickled jalapeños, tortilla chips, or a side of roasted vegetables. It’s excellent for casual dinners, potlucks, or game-day spreads — and pairs well with other easy family casseroles like the collection found at 7 Easy Chicken Casseroles That Feed a Family of 4 Under $10 when you need variety.

Topping ideas:

Sliced avocado or guacamole
Extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of smoked paprika
A drizzle of hot sauce for heat

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). To revive crispness, remove the cover for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Helpful cooking tips

Use a metal baking dish for quicker, crisper edges on the tater tots.
For even cooking, don’t overcrowd tots — spread them in a single layer.
If using a thicker homemade chili, stir in a splash of beef or chicken broth to loosen it so it spreads easily over the tots.
Letting the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving neater.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian: Use a meatless chili and add a layer of black beans for extra protein.
Tex-Mex: Mix in a can of diced green chiles and top with pepper jack cheese.
Loaded version: Add a chopped bell pepper and cooked bacon bits under the cheese.
Spicy: Stir chipotle in adobo into the chili or sprinkle cayenne over the cheese before baking.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Do I need to thaw the tater tots?
A: No. Use them straight from the freezer so they hold their shape and crisp up during baking.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tots?
A: You can, but thinly sliced or shredded and par-cooked potatoes are necessary for even cooking; frozen tots are the easiest shortcut.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly after baking?
A: It freezes well both before and after baking. Reheat from frozen in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C), adding time until it’s hot throughout.

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7 Easy Chicken Casseroles That Feed a Family of 4 Under $10
Easy Chicken Casseroles Under $10