Brown the beef, onion, and pepper in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. When the meat is cooked through, drain the grease, and return to the pan.
Stir in the seasoning packet, diced tomatoes (do not drain), and tomato sauce. Add the beans now if you're using them. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the sour cream and remove from the heat.
Carefully pour the chili into a 13x9 baking dish and top with the cheddar cheese.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the chili. Bake for 25 minutes or until tots are as crisp as you'd like.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onion.
Notes
Feed a Crowd: You can double the chili portion of this recipe and follow the rest of the recipe as directed to make a more hearty, less tater-tot version of this recipe. Spice: If you like a more spicy chili, add a minced jalapeno to the onion and bell pepper mix.Beans: My family is just starting to come around to the idea of beans these days. We sometimes add a can and sometimes leave them. Either way is delicious!Tater Tots: Product packages change sizes all the time these days. You may not use a full bag of the tater tots. Just use enough for a single layer that covers the chili.