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- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (with sauce) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 packet taco seasoning - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 2 cups frozen tater tots - ½ cup green onions (chopped) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray For this casserole, you can use ground beef or turkey. Both work well and taste great. The canned chili beans add a nice flavor and texture to the dish. Diced tomatoes help balance out the richness of the meat. Corn adds sweetness and color. Taco seasoning brings a kick of flavor. Cheddar cheese makes everything creamy and cheesy. I like to use 2 cups, one for layering and one for topping. Frozen tater tots are the star of this dish. They bake up crispy on top. Green onions add a fresh crunch when you serve the casserole. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning! Cooking spray helps keep the dish from sticking. With these simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I heat a large skillet over medium heat. I add one pound of ground beef or turkey. I cook the meat until it turns brown. This takes about five to seven minutes. I break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, I drain off any extra fat. This step keeps the casserole from being too greasy. Next, I add canned ingredients to the skillet. I use one can of chili beans with sauce. I also add one can of diced tomatoes, but I drain them first. Then comes one cup of corn, either frozen or canned. To spice it up, I sprinkle in one packet of taco seasoning. I also add salt and pepper to taste. I mix everything well and let it simmer for about five minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to build the casserole! I pour the chili mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. I spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, I sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili. After that, I carefully arrange two cups of frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. This makes a crispy and tasty topping. I then bake the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. I watch for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, I take it out and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top. I pop it back in the oven for another five minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. To keep your tater tots from getting soggy, follow this simple rule: bake them until they are crispy. When you layer the tater tots on top of the cheese, make sure they are in a single layer. This way, they will crisp up nicely in the oven. For even cheese melt, add cheese at two stages. First, sprinkle one cup of cheese on the chili mixture before adding the tater tots. Then, add more cheese on top after baking. This helps create a gooey, cheesy layer that everyone loves. Garnishing makes a dish look and taste better. I love to top my casserole with chopped green onions. They add a nice crunch and fresh flavor. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a creamy touch. As for side dishes, a simple green salad pairs well. It adds a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. You can also serve warm bread or cornbread on the side. This makes the meal feel complete and satisfying. Pro Tips Choosing Your Meat: You can use ground beef or turkey based on your preference. Turkey offers a leaner option, while beef gives a richer flavor. Adding Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chili mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge; just add the tater tots and cheese before baking. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. Ground turkey works well. It keeps the meal light and tasty. If you want a vegan option, use lentils or black beans instead of meat. These beans add protein and fiber. To make the dish pop, try adding spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give it heat. You can also mix in some hot sauce. This will add a nice kick. Experimenting with cheeses is fun too. Try pepper jack for a spicy twist. Or use a blend of cheeses for depth. Mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack creates a creamy texture. Each change adds a new layer of flavor. To store leftover chili cheese tater tot casserole, let it cool first. After cooling, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. Make sure to cover it well to avoid any odors from the fridge. It is best to eat the leftovers within three to four days. For best results, use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. These containers work well and let you see what’s inside. You can also use aluminum foil or plastic wrap if you don't have containers. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to keep the moisture in. To reheat the casserole, you have a few safe options. The oven works best for keeping the texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes. This way, the cheese will melt again, and the tater tots will stay crisp. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. Stir it gently to help heat evenly. If you want to keep some crunch, try reheating in a skillet on medium heat. This method takes a little longer but helps maintain the texture of the tater tots. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Start by cooking the meat and mixing in the other ingredients. Then, layer it in the baking dish as usual. Cover it tightly and place it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method saves time on busy nights. To add spice, try using hot chili beans. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a deeper flavor, add diced green chilies to the meat. Another option is to use spicy taco seasoning instead of the regular kind. These changes will give your casserole a nice kick! If you want to switch it up, you have options. You can use frozen hash browns instead of tater tots. Another choice is to use potato wedges for a different texture. If you want a healthier option, try sweet potato tots. These swaps can change the flavor and make the dish your own. This blog post covered how to make a delicious casserole. We discussed the key ingredients like ground meat and canned items. Then I explained how to cook the meat and prepare the mixture. You learned tips for perfect tater tots and serving ideas. We also explored variations and storage tips. Remember, you can modify this dish to fit your taste. Have fun experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole! This easy Tater Tot casserole recipe combines ground beef, chili beans, and cheesy goodness for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for family dinners, this cheesy chili casserole is not only delicious but quick to prepare. Try this comforting dish tonight and watch it become a family favorite! Save for later! #ChiliCheeseTaterTotCasserole #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes #CasseroleDelight
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)

1 can (15 oz) chili beans (with sauce)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 packet taco seasoning

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups frozen tater tots

½ cup green onions (chopped)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned. Drain any excess fat.

      Stir in the chili beans, drained diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

          Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili mixture.

            Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

                Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, using a large spoon to scoop out portions. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. Enjoy!