– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can (15 oz) chili (any variety)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Creating an incredible Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is as easy as following these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Meat: Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the meat. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, chili, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Layer the Casserole: Spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a delicious tater tot casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!