Name: Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Tots (Standard)
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 Frozen Tater Tots; 1 lb Ground Beef; 1/2 Yellow Onion-diced; 2 cloves Garlic-minced; 1 can (15 oz) Diced Tomatoes-undrained; 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans-drained and rinsed; 1 tbsp Chili Powder; 1 tsp Cumin; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional); 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 2 tbsp Butter; 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour; 2 cups Milk; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/4 tsp Salt

Recipe tier

A quick and easy recreation of Sonic's famous chili cheese tots, perfect for a satisfying snack or casual meal.

Total 45 min

Serves 4

Steps 8

Ingredients 18

Tots
32 N/A Frozen Tater Tots
Chili
1 lb 450 g Ground Beef
120 mL Yellow Onion-diced
2 cloves N/A Garlic-minced
1 can (15 oz) 425 g Diced Tomatoes-undrained
1 can (15 oz) 425 g Kidney Beans-drained and rinsed
1 tbsp 15 mL Chili Powder
1 tsp 5 mL Cumin
tsp 2.5 mL Paprika
tsp 1.25 mL Cayenne Pepper (optional)
tsp 2.5 mL Salt
tsp 1.25 mL Black Pepper
Cheese Sauce
2 tbsp 30 mL Butter
2 tbsp 30 mL All-Purpose Flour
2 cups 480 mL Milk
1 cup 240 mL Shredded Cheddar Cheese
tsp 1.25 mL Garlic Powder
tsp 1.25 mL Salt

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Equipment

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Instructions

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Prepare the Chili: In a large skillet, brown the Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the Yellow Onion and Garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Diced Tomatoes, Kidney Beans, Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper (if using), Salt, and Black Pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the Butter over medium heat. Whisk in the All-Purpose Flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
Gradually whisk in the Milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Powder, and Salt until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Cook the Tots: Bake the Frozen Tater Tots according to package directions.
Assemble: Place the cooked Tater Tots on a serving platter. Top with the Chili, then generously drizzle with the Cheese Sauce. Serve immediately.