Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Chili cheese tater tot casserole in a cast iron skillet.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is an easy weeknight dinner and so easy to make on the grill. A quick ground beef chili topped with frozen tater tots and plenty of melted cheese is an irresistible combination.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili casserole, chili cheese tots, grilled chili cheese tater tot casserole, tater tot casserole
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 763kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef - we used 80/20
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 pound cooked or canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes with juice
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons chili seasoning 1-2 packets if using store bought
  • 28 ounce frozen tater tots
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro optional garnish
  • candied jalapenos for serving optional
  • sour cream for serving optional

Instructions

  • Prepare a grill fire to 350°. We are cooking on the Big Green Egg with lump charcoal and hickory chunks for smoke flavor.
  • Place a 12 inch cast iron skillet directly over the fire.
  • Add ground beef and break up with a spatula, stirring often to brown all sides.
  • Dump in the diced onion and continue to cook, stirring with the spatula. Cook 3- 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the pinto beans, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
  • Spoon in chili seasoning, adjusting to taste.
  • Top with frozen tater tots, covering the entire pan.
  • Spray or brush with olive oil.
  • Close the grill and cook 30-40 minutes until tater tots are cooked through and crispy.
  • Top with shredded cheese, close the grill and cook 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • Carefully remove from the grill using oven mitts.
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve with candied jalapenos and sour cream if desired.

Notes

  •  Store leftovers in a metal pie plate or baking dish, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a 350° oven for about 10- 15 minutes. If it starts to get to brown, cover loosely with foil.
  • Use your favorite chili recipe or canned chili if desired. Thick chili works best for the casserole.
  • Ground venison works great with the ground beef or in place of the ground beef.
  • Diced bell peppers can be added with the onions if desired.
  • Make Ahead: The chili can be made ahead (on the stove top) and refrigerated. Assemble casserole, adding tater tots just before grilling.

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 763kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 2146mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 20g