Following this recipe is as easy as sharing stories around the dinner table. Here’s how you bring this dish to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Mix well.
5. Sprinkle the chili seasoning mix over the mixture, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Transfer the chili mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili mixture.
8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if desired.