If you’re in the mood for something soul-satisfying and irresistibly crispy, you’ve got to try making Crispy Tot Chili Casserole. Imagine layers of hearty, flavorful chili topped with a golden crown of crunchy tater tots and melty cheddar cheese—each bite is pure comfort, making this dish an instant family favorite that’s just as perfect for game day as it is for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Crispy Tot Chili Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with some pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Each one brings either flavor, texture, or that crave-able comfort food vibe to your Crispy Tot Chili Casserole.

Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get everything sizzling in the skillet and add a light, savory touch.
Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: The meaty heart of the casserole—feel free to pick your favorite.
Yellow Onion (diced): For sweetness and a homey background flavor.
Garlic (minced): Those little cloves work magic to up the savory factor.
Chili Beans (undrained): These add flavor, texture, and their own saucy goodness—use the whole can, liquid included.
Diced Tomatoes (with juice): They bring juicy tang and balance out the richness of the casserole.
Tomato Paste: For thickening and a concentrated tomato punch that ties the chili together.
Chili Powder: This is where the signature chili zing comes from. Don’t hold back!
Ground Cumin: A spice with earthy warmth that’s made for chili.
Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smokiness, amp-ing up the casserole’s depth.
Salt: Essential to sharpen all the flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick.
Frozen Tater Tots: The pièce de résistance! They bake up golden and so crispy on top.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, bubbly, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Green Onions (sliced): A fresh, zippy garnish for color and flavor contrast.
Optional Sour Cream and Jalapeño Slices: These make every plate pop with creaminess and a little heat, if you like it spicy!

How to Make Crispy Tot Chili Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Give it another few minutes so the onions soften and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper—embrace the aroma! Stir in your chili beans (with all their delicious liquid), diced tomatoes, and rich tomato paste. Mix everything well and let it simmer for five to seven minutes until the mixture thickens just a bit. This step creates that savory chili base that sets the Crispy Tot Chili Casserole apart from all the rest.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the piping hot chili mixture evenly on the bottom. Now for the fun part: arrange your frozen tater tots in a nice single layer over the top. No need to thaw them—the magic happens in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Slide the dish into a preheated 400°F oven (uncovered) and let it do its thing for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and perfectly crispy, creating that gorgeous topper that makes this casserole so utterly crave-worthy.

Step 5: Add Cheddar and Finish Baking

Now, cover those golden tots with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven for another five to seven minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your finished Crispy Tot Chili Casserole with sliced green onions, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a few jalapeño slices. Serve it while it’s hot and bask in the smiles!

How to Serve Crispy Tot Chili Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole practically demands a handful of fresh toppings! Sprinkle with green onions for a sharp, herbal finish. Add dollops of cool sour cream for creamy contrast, or pile on jalapeño slices if you like things spicy. Fresh cilantro and a little hot sauce never hurt, either.

Side Dishes

While the Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is hearty enough to shine on its own, a simple green salad or some roasted veggies make for welcome companions. Cornbread, warm dinner rolls, or a fresh fruit salad also pair beautifully and balance the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Go family-style and serve it bubbling from the oven in your favorite casserole dish, or try spooning individual portions into small cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style feel. For parties, portion it into muffin tins for fun, handheld mini casseroles—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Tot Chili Casserole keeps surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The tots will lose a bit of crispness, but the flavors meld and become even more savory and delicious—the perfect next-day lunch!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, assemble the unbaked casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer (add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time), then finish with cheese and toppings as usual.

Reheating

For the crispiest tots, reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F until hot and the tater tops crunch up again—about 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, a few minutes in the microwave will work, but the oven method is gold if you’re after that signature crispy finish.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Tot Chili Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for your favorite plant-based protein or more beans, and ensure your chili beans and cheese are vegetarian. Mushrooms or lentils also work beautifully in the chili base for extra heartiness and texture.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?

Nope! Layer them on frozen—the oven will bake them golden and perfectly crispy as the casserole cooks. Easy and no mess necessary.

Can I prep Crispy Tot Chili Casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready, adding an extra five to ten minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.

What’s the best way to make it spicy?

For extra heat, add diced green chiles to your chili base, toss in a little cayenne pepper, or simply serve with plenty of jalapeño slices on top. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce at the table also works wonders.

What other toppings work well?

Apart from the classics, try crumbled bacon, chopped avocado, fresh diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Crispy Tot Chili Casserole: it’s cozy, nostalgic, and always a hit whether you’re feeding friends or your own hungry crew. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become one of those recipes everyone asks for. Trust me—give it a try and watch it disappear!

Crispy Tot Chili Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines flavorful chili with crispy tater tots and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Chili Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) chili beans, undrained
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
Optional: sour cream and jalapeño slices for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Make chili: Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, spices. Simmer until thickened.
Assemble: Spread chili mixture in a baking dish, top with tater tots.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until tots are crispy.
Add cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over tots, bake until melted.
Serve: Garnish with green onions, sour cream, jalapeños.