If you’re craving something ultra-cozy, craveable, and guaranteed to score rave reviews at the dinner table, this Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole absolutely fits the bill. It’s comfort food with just the right amount of hearty, cheesy, golden goodness, plus a bold chili flavor that brings it all together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day or want a satisfying dish everyone will be excited to scoop onto their plates, this recipe comes together quickly and hits every nostalgic note—while being secretly simple to whip up.

Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward—but flavor-packed—these ingredients are. Each one plays an important part, from savory ground beef to creamy cheddar and those irresistibly crispy tater tots crowning the casserole.

Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein that builds a rich, hearty base—feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Chopped onion (1 small): Adds sweetness, depth, and a subtle savory bite that balances the chili perfectly.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Just a couple of cloves elevate everything and bring warmth to the dish.
Chili beans in sauce (1 15 oz can): These bring creamy texture and an extra burst of chili flavor with zero extra effort.
Diced tomatoes, drained (1 15 oz can): Offer tangy brightness and chunkiness, making every bite more interesting.
Tomato paste (1 6 oz can): Concentrated tomato flavor to thicken and enrich the chili mixture.
Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Delivers the signature chili heat and beautiful deep color.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, it brings that authentic chili vibe to the casserole.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and sharpens all the other flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle touch of heat and complexity.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty, gooey, and adds that luscious cheesy crown (divided for layers and topping).
Frozen tater tots (1 28 oz bag): The crispy, golden top that makes this casserole totally irresistible.
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish): Fresh pops of color and flavor to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for action once you’ve assembled everything. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and keep it handy—you’ll build all the delicious layers right in this pan for easy assembly and cleanup.

Step 2: Sauté Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the beef as you go. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain excess grease if needed for a lighter casserole. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn—your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Simmer the Chili Base

Stir in the chili beans (with sauce), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all up and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, just until it thickens and all those flavors meld together. This heartwarming chili is the core of your Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole Dish

Pour your savory chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, so it gets nice and melty underneath those golden tots. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer—don’t worry if they overlap a bit! They’ll form a crisp, golden crust while staying fluffy inside.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for those tater tots to turn irresistibly golden and crisp. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar evenly over the top and bake for five more minutes—just until it’s melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, shower your Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole with a handful of chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch. Let it cool slightly before diving in—the aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen!

How to Serve Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Finish off your casserole with classic toppings like sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream. Crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños for extra heat, or a few slices of creamy avocado can really take it to the next level and let everyone customize their plate.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole with a simple side salad, some steamed veggies (like broccoli or green beans), or a crunchy slaw. Cornbread or even tortilla chips make a fun addition if you love something to scoop up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole straight from the baking dish family-style, or try spooning portions into small oven-safe ramekins for individual servings. It’s also fantastic portioned into meal-prep containers for easy lunches—add a wedge of lime or sprinkle of extra chili powder to make it uniquely yours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens at my house!), let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or hearty lunches.

Freezing

To freeze Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole, let it cool down and place individual portions or the whole casserole (well-wrapped) in the freezer. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. If you want to bring back that crispy tot topping, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes right at the end.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly with the same seasonings, and any plant-based ground meat alternative lets you enjoy Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole as a meatless option. It’s delicious with all variations.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots before using?

No need to thaw! Just add the frozen tater tots directly on top of your assembled casserole—the oven will crisp them up nicely while the chili base gets bubbly and delicious.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

For a little extra kick, feel free to toss some diced jalapeños or a couple dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the chili mixture. A sprinkle of cayenne or chipotle powder is also a tasty way to turn up the heat.

Can I prepare Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the step before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is a classic, but you can mix things up! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a fun blend of cheeses all add their own melt and flavor. Don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait for a special occasion—Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of meal that turns any night into a celebration of comfort, flavor, and family. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation—the melted cheese and crispy tots are irresistible every single time!

Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with crispy tater tots and gooey cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Chili Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can chili beans in sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Make the chili mixture: Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, spices. Simmer until thickened.
Assemble: Spread chili in a baking dish, top with cheese and tater tots.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tater tots are crispy. Add remaining cheese and bake until melted.
Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.