Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots combine the crunchy goodness of tater tots with rich, savory chili and melted cheese for an irresistible comfort food delight. This easy and delicious dish is perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or a fun family dinner. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a mouth-watering Chili Cheese Tots that everyone will rave about.

What are Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots?

Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots are crispy tater tots topped with hearty chili and melted cheese, then baked to perfection. They offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a favorite for all ages.

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners.
Comfort Food: A delicious blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
Fun and Delicious: A playful twist on traditional chili and cheese fries.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots

Bake the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the tater tots. Spread the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden brown.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened about 3 minutes.
Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.

Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Dish: Once the tater tots are crispy, remove them from the oven. Top the tater tots with the chili mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili.

Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Easy Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy contrast.

Guacamole: Fresh guacamole or avocado slices complement the flavors.
Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Salsa: Serve with your favorite salsa for extra flavor.

Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing side.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots

Bake Tots Crispy: Ensure the tater tots are baked until crispy to hold up well under the chili.
Season Well: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Even Topping: Spread the chili evenly over the tots for uniform flavor in every bite.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
Garnish Last: Add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots

Vegetarian: Use a meatless chili or substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative.
Spicy: Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Mexican Style: Top with a blend of Mexican cheeses and add toppings like pico de gallo and sliced black olives.

BBQ Twist: Mix in some BBQ sauce with the chili for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Loaded: Add additional toppings like bacon bits, green peppers, and olives for a fully loaded version.

Storing Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze the chili separately from the tots for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots: Best Practices

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the tots on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Note that the tots may not be as crispy.
Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 550

Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 30g

Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1100mg

Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g

Other Yummy Recipes:

Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken

FAQs

Can I make Chili Cheese Tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chili Cheese Tots ahead of time. Prepare the chili and bake the tater tots separately. Store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the tater tots in the oven until crispy, then top with the reheated chili and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What type of cheese works best for Chili Cheese Tots?

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for Chili Cheese Tots because of its rich flavor and good melting properties. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby for added flavor.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy under the chili?

To keep tater tots crispy, bake them until they are golden and crispy before adding the chili. Spread the chili evenly over the tots and top with cheese. Bake for a short time, just enough to melt the cheese, to maintain the crispiness of the tots.

Can I use canned chili for Chili Cheese Tots?

Yes, you can use canned chili for Chili Cheese Tots if you are short on time. Simply heat the canned chili according to the instructions and pour it over the baked tater tots. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Chili Cheese Tots are a fun and delicious twist on traditional comfort food. With their crispy tots, savory chili, and melted cheese, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with family and friends!