why make this recipe
Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is a fun and hearty dish that combines the warmth of chili with the crunch of tater tots. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The layers of flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to prepare, coming together in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something different for your weekly meals, this dish has you covered.
how to make Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (~1/2 of a 6-ounce can)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Tater tots
- Shredded cheese (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Transfer the chili mixture to a baking dish. Top it with a layer of tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the layer of tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is best served hot from the oven. You can dish it out on plates or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish. This casserole pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some warm cornbread. It’s also great as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep.
how to store Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
To store leftover Crispy Tot Chili Casserole, allow it to cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
- You can use different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, if you prefer.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn to the chili mixture for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheeses for topping, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
variation
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Just sauté your veggies, add the beans or lentils, and follow the same steps for an equally delicious dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly in this recipe. You don’t need to thaw them before baking.
2. How can I make the casserole spicier?
To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chili mixture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just layer it with tater tots and cheese before baking when you’re ready to serve.
Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (~1/2 of a 6-ounce can)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 package Tater tots Frozen tater tots work best
- 1 cup Shredded cheese For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Transfer the chili mixture to a baking dish. Top it with a layer of tater tots.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the layer of tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy!
