This Crock Pot Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is everything a comforting dish should be—hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. Each bite brings together tender beef, zesty beans, gooey melted cheddar, and the crispy golden crunch of tater tots. The slow cooker works its magic to meld the bold chili flavors, while the tots add a nostalgic, fun twist that takes the dish over the top.
Perfect for game days, cozy nights, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole is both effortless and crowd-pleasing. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Whether you’re cooking for family or bringing something delicious to a potluck, this is the recipe everyone will be asking for again and again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
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1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Directions:
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
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Transfer cooked beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Add kidney beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, cheddar cheese soup, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Layer frozen tater tots evenly on top of the chili mixture.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
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In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Cover and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve warm, topped with your choice of sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours (on low)
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Crock Pot Chili Cheese Tater Tots
Crock Pot Chili Cheese Tater Tots is one of those ultimate comfort food recipes that brings nostalgic flavors together in a way that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. A combination of hearty chili, crispy golden tater tots, and gooey cheddar cheese makes it the perfect meal for chilly nights, game day gatherings, or lazy weekends when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with bold, savory goodness in every bite.
Using a slow cooker (or Crock Pot) elevates this classic recipe, allowing the ingredients to blend together beautifully over several hours, creating layers of flavor that are both rich and hearty. It’s a dump-and-go meal that delivers the taste and feel of something far more complex. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or someone who simply loves easy comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes.
What Makes This Dish a Comfort Food Favorite
There’s a reason why tater tots and chili are so popular on their own—and putting them together? That’s a next-level experience. The crispy exterior of the tater tots contrasts with the creamy cheddar cheese and thick, flavorful chili. It’s a textural and flavor dream. Each bite delivers seasoned beef, tender beans, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese that binds it all together with pure indulgence.
Slow cooking enhances the depth of flavors in this dish. The chili simmers low and slow, allowing the spices to bloom and the ingredients to meld perfectly. When the tater tots go on top and soak up some of that flavor, while still staying crispy thanks to the cheese barrier, you get a perfectly balanced bite every time. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Why Use a Crock Pot for This Recipe
The Crock Pot (or any slow cooker) is ideal for this kind of dish because it allows for passive cooking—just throw everything in and let it go. Unlike stovetop methods, you don’t need to monitor the pot constantly, which is especially helpful for busy days or large gatherings where your attention is needed elsewhere.
In addition, slow cooking enhances the flavor of the chili without drying it out. Ground beef becomes tender, beans absorb all the seasoning, and everything is infused with rich, cheesy goodness by the end of the cooking time. You also don’t need to pre-cook the tater tots or melt the cheese separately. The slow cooker handles it all, creating a seamless blend of textures and tastes with minimal effort.
Perfect for Parties and Family Dinners
Crock Pot Chili Cheese Tater Tots is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a potluck, or a casual family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s universally loved, easy to serve, and incredibly filling. Because it uses affordable ingredients and comes together in one pot, it’s also cost-effective and ideal for budget-conscious cooks.
If you’re serving this for a party, you can keep it warm in the Crock Pot throughout your event, allowing guests to help themselves. Top with extra shredded cheese, jalapeños, green onions, or sour cream at a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowl. It adds a personal touch and makes it even more fun to serve.
Customizing Your Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
One of the best things about this dish is how easily customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or use hot chili beans. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap out the ground beef for meatless crumbles and add more beans or vegetables like corn or bell peppers. If you’re looking to make it leaner, ground turkey works just as well as beef.
You can also play around with the cheese—sharp cheddar offers a strong bite, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a little flair and spice. Even adding a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the chili base before cooking can bring a creamy richness that takes it to another level.
For a slightly healthier twist, use sweet potato tots or cauliflower tots instead of regular tater tots. These subtle swaps let you keep all the cozy flavors while adjusting to dietary needs or preferences.
Kid-Friendly and Picky-Eater Approved
It’s not always easy to find meals that satisfy everyone at the table, especially when little ones or picky eaters are involved. But this recipe usually gets a unanimous thumbs-up. Kids love the fun of tater tots, while parents appreciate how the dish sneaks in protein and fiber from the beef and beans.
You can also get creative and turn this into a fun dinner night by letting kids help sprinkle on the cheese or place the tots before cooking. It becomes a fun bonding experience that also makes kids more excited about eating what they helped prepare.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
If you’re meal prepping for the week or want to save leftovers, this recipe is a great candidate for make-ahead meals. Prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply layer in the tater tots and start your Crock Pot.
For freezing, let the cooked casserole cool completely. Portion into individual containers or wrap the whole thing in foil for freezing. When reheating, you may lose some of the tater tot crispness, but the flavor remains amazing. A quick blast in the oven or air fryer can bring some of that texture back.
Ideal Side Dishes to Serve Alongside
While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides can round out your meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Cornbread is another classic pairing—it soaks up any extra chili and complements the cheese beautifully.
Other great side options include roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even fresh fruit for a light, refreshing contrast. And don’t forget the drinks! A cold soda or a chilled beer pairs perfectly with the salty, cheesy flavors.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chili Cheese Tater Tots isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s warm, comforting, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. With its flexible ingredients, easy prep, and hands-off cooking method, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
This dish proves that you don’t need a long list of gourmet ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re making it as a main dish or bringing it to a party, you’ll find that people always go back for seconds—and ask for the recipe. It’s a modern comfort classic that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.