Description
This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory chili with golden, crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it features a flavorful chili base made with ground beef, beans, and spices, topped with a crunchy layer of tater tots baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (or kidney beans), undrained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is fully browned and onions are tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to ensure a lean chili.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma and flavor.
- Prepare Chili Mixture: Add the chili beans with their liquid, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and blend the spices.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the prepared chili mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese-covered chili.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the crispy tots, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture.
- Customize beans by using kidney beans or black beans depending on preference.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and sautéed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure that the chili beans and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.
