Chili Cheese Tater Tots—a quick and budget-friendly comfort meal! This loaded dish is ideal for busy nights when you need something satisfying and tasty without much prep time. Follow these steps to get that crispy, cheesy, and chili-topped perfection.
Chili Cheese Tater Tots
Ingredients
- Half a bag of frozen tater tots (about 1 lb or enough to cover the bottom of a baking sheet)
- 1 can of chili (about 15 oz; use your preferred brand or homemade chili if you have some on hand)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works well)
- Seasonings for chili: try adding chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor
- Optional toppings: green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the tater tot package (usually around 425°F).
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them according to package directions, typically 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Tip: If you like them extra crispy, leave them in a few minutes longer or turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes (keep an eye on them to prevent burning!).
Step 2: Prepare the Chili
- Warm up the chili: Pour the can of chili into a small pot over medium heat. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings (optional): To give the chili an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, a pinch of garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir well, and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Melt some cheese: Stir in a handful (about 1/2 cup) of shredded cheese into the warm chili, letting it melt and thicken the mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Chili Cheese Tater Tots
- Layer the dish: Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven but keep the oven on.
- Pour the chili mixture evenly over the tater tots.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese (about 1 1/2 cups) evenly over the chili and tots.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Return the pan to the oven: Bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an even more melty, golden top, turn on the broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it.
Step 5: Serve
- Add toppings (optional): Once out of the oven, top with chopped green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, or cilantro if desired.
- Serve with chips: For a crunchy side, serve with Doritos or tortilla chips—a favorite way to scoop up every bit of the cheesy chili goodness.
Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Tater Tots
- Upgrade the chili: If you want a meatier version, you can brown a bit of ground beef and mix it into the canned chili for more texture.
- Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the chili for some heat.
- Perfect for sharing: This is a great snack or meal for game days or casual gatherings—double the recipe and use a larger baking sheet to serve more people.
Enjoy your quick and easy Chili Cheese Tater Tots!