Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
Ingredients
  • 32 ounce frozen tater tots
  • 1 1/2 pound ground beef
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • a few shakes of worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 ounce tomato sauce
  • 8 ounce can of water (use the empty tomato sauce can)
  • 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • sour cream (optional)
  • scallions or chives, sliced (optional)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.Line the tater tots in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and bake in oven as directed on the package.Meanwhile, season the beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onions and a tablespoon of oil if necessary and cook until translucent.
  4. Drain and return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet.
  5. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce and half of the water to the skillet.
  6. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.
  7. Add more water if the mixture is too thick.
  8. The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the meat will be.
  9. When it reaches your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning to your tastes.
  10. If you're cooking for spice-lovers, add more chili powder and cumin to your taste.When the tater tots are finished baking, spread the meat mixture over them in the baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle the dish generously with cheese.
  12. Grating your cheese rather than buying pre-shredded cheese will result in a more luxurious texture with a great "cheese-pull."
  13. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling.
  14. To serve, garnish with sour cream and scallions or chives, if desired.