Ingredients:
– 2 bags of tater tots
– 1.5 pounds ground chuck (optional)
– 2 cans of Bush’s chili beans with mild sauce
– 2 cans of chili-ready diced tomatoes with onions
– 2 cups Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
– 1 packet of French’s Chili-O seasoning packet
– 1 diced onion
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If you’re using ground chuck, start by browning it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cans of chili beans (with sauce), chili-ready diced tomatoes with onions, and the packet of French’s Chili-O seasoning. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. If you browned the ground chuck, add it to the chili mixture and stir to combine. This will add extra flavor and heartiness to your casserole. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground chuck.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish, spread out a single layer of tater tots. You can use one bag for the bottom layer.
6. Pour half of the chili mixture over the tater tots layer, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the chili layer.
8. Add another layer of tater tots (the second bag) on top of the cheese.
9. Pour the remaining chili mixture over the second layer of tater tots and spread it out evenly.
10. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
11. Scatter the diced onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
13. Bake for about 30 minutes, covered, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the tater tots are crispy.
15. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
16. Serve your Homemade Chili Cheese Tot Casserole while it’s hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning, cheese, or any other ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy your dinner!
