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Appetizer » red meat

Chili Cheese Tater Tots

Published: Feb 26, 2014 · Modified: Jun 24, 2020 by Cherry on My Sundae

Years ago, my friend took me to a restaurant that had the biggest portion of chili cheese fries known to man for only $4. We were only able to finish ¼ of the serving, but I enjoyed every bite immensely. How can you resist freshly fried french fries topped with savory beef chili and tons of shredded cheddar? I've been going to the same establishment ever since whenever I want a good helping of chili cheese fries. That craving struck again today but I decided to make my own at home with tater tots instead of french fries. Tater tots with chili cheese? How can you go wrong?

chili cheese tater tots

chili cheese tater tots

 

Serves 2-3

286

Chili cheese tater tots

1 hr, 20 Total Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp oil
  • 8 ounces ground beef
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp chipotle
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 cups tater tots
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tsp oil in medium stockpot over medium heat. Add ground beef and crumble. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion has softened and beef has browned. Drain excess oil.
  2. Add cumin, coriander, chipotle and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat tater tots according to directions on package. Top with chili and cheese. Serve.
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**Helpful tips and common mistakes

The secret to making the best chili is to cook the stew over low heat for a long period of time. I remember watching an episode of Top Chef where the challenge was to cook the best chili. All of the chefs stayed up during the entire night to cook their chili, stirring as needed. I cooked my chili for only 1 hour since I was limited on time. But even after one hour, the chili had developed great flavor from the spices and tomatoes.

making the chili

If you're cooking the chili for longer than one hour, you may need to add water to prevent the chili from drying out. Simply add ½ cup water at a time and let it cook out before adding more. Also, make sure to stir the pot once in a while to prevent the ingredients from settling to the bottom and burning.

finished chili

Since I was making the chili, I decided to just buy tater tots instead of making them myself. I reheated mine in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F until crispy. Serve with hot chili and top with cheese. The heat from the chili will be hot enough to melt the cheese.

The chili seems so simple but it really makes the dish! The crispy tater tots with hot chili and gooey cheese...all the reasons why I love chili with potatoes come rushing back as I indulged in this dish. Plenty of leftover chili and tater tots mean I'll be having this again...probably tomorrow!

chili cheese tater tots

 

Looking for someone to come to your house and prepare these dishes for you? It is possible! If you are in Los Angeles and looking for a private chef, please feel free to contact me. For more information, visit Private Kitchen Los Angeles.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire @ Lemon Jelly Cake

    February 26, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    Oh my goodness, I haven't had tater tots or chili in FOREVER! Now I really want to eat both!
    Reply
    • cma0425

      February 26, 2014 at 9:10 pm

      tater tots remind me of being a kid again...and they're still delicious even as an adult!
      Reply
  2. Betsy @ Desserts Required

    February 26, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    I LOVE this! Seeing your first picture made me HUNGRY!!
    Reply
    • cma0425

      February 26, 2014 at 10:56 pm

      It's a simple recipe but so darn good! How can you wrong with chili and potatoes (in any form)?
      Reply
  3. Judit & Corina @WineDineDaily

    February 27, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Oh yes please, we could eat the whole bowl right now! Looks so good:) Cheers, J+C
    Reply
    • cma0425

      February 28, 2014 at 12:19 am

      I almost licked the bowl clean :)
      Reply
  4. anne

    March 01, 2014 at 11:48 am

    Hi Christine ! Tater tots never look this good and it made me sigh :D I haven't had a homemade chilli in years ugh ! I'll bookmark your recipe , okay ? Thanks !
    Reply
    • cma0425

      March 01, 2014 at 4:14 pm

      Homemade chili is the best! Especially during the chili days :)
      Reply
  5. Carrie @ poet in the pantry

    March 01, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Wow! That looks so good! Great indulgent treat!
    Reply
    • cma0425

      March 01, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Thank you! It was delicious!
      Reply
  6. Tamtastic

    December 31, 2016 at 12:28 am

    We are heading to a last minute potluck and I have some frozen tots and leftover chili... This recipe saved my reputation--thanks!
    Reply
    • cma0425

      January 01, 2017 at 9:50 pm

      Glad to be of service!
      Reply

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Hey there! My name is Christine and I'm a chef during the day and food blogger at night. Welcome to my world highlighting what's in season, sharing travel tidbits, and just living a simple life in the busy city of Los Angeles.

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