This cozy casserole blends beef chili with a classic tater tot hot dish. Chili Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly — and it works great with leftover chili.
We love tater tot casseroles (or tater tot hot dish, as some call it), so I experimented with different fillings. Rather than the traditional creamy sauce, veggies, and ground beef mix, I tried a hearty beef chili filling — and this version was a hit. The warm chili spices paired with crispy tots make a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
The chili filling is simple to prepare from scratch, but this casserole is also perfect for using leftover or canned chili if you prefer.
Ingredients
Ground beef – the base of the chili filling.
Onion – adds sweetness and body to the filling.
Kidney beans – dark red kidney beans for texture and protein.
Tomato sauce – creates a smooth, saucy chili base.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles – adds tomato flavor and a mild kick.
Spices – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder (and salt and pepper) for classic chili flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese – melted over the chili for richness.
Tater tots – frozen tater tots arranged on top and baked until golden and crisp.
Variations
Different protein – swap ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or chicken. You can also use plant-based crumbles to make a vegetarian option.
Make it spicy – add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Vegetarian – double the beans or use a meat alternative like Impossible meat for a meatless version.
Extra vegetables – stir in diced bell pepper with the onion, or add finely chopped cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition without changing the flavor much.
Use leftovers – leftover chili works beautifully here. You only need enough to fill the casserole dish about halfway.
Canned chili – canned chili can be used for a shortcut.
Step by Step Instructions
Photo 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add diced onion and ground beef.
Photo 2. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Photo 3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Photo 4. Add the beans and diced tomatoes (with green chiles) and mix well.
Photo 5. Transfer the chili mixture to a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
Photo 6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
Photo 7. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Photo 8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the tater tots are golden brown. Serve with sour cream, chopped cilantro or green onions, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Expert Tips
Freezer meal – assemble the casserole up to the baking step, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add about 10 minutes to the bake time if still slightly cold.
Make ahead – you can prepare the dish and refrigerate (covered) until ready to bake. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
Serving suggestion – top individual portions with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, diced cilantro or green onions, and pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Prepare the casserole through the assembly step, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time when you bake from cold.
Yes. Cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Tater tot casserole is a classic dish featuring a savory ground meat filling (often with vegetables and a creamy element) topped with tater tots and baked until crisp.
This casserole is a complete, hearty meal. If you want a side, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a rating and a comment, or share a photo on social media using the hashtag #greensnchocolate.
Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 white or yellow onion diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 14 ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes (with green chiles)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 ounce bag tater tots
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the olive oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the beef into small pieces.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beans. Stir to combine.
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Spread the chili filling into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the tater tots are browned and the filling is bubbling.
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Serve topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro or green onions, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- To prep ahead, assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake; add about 5 minutes to the bake time.
- See the expert tips above for freezer meal instructions.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 47 g
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Protein: 26 g
Mention @greensnchocolate to let me know!