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Crispy Tot Chili Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 79 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring a savory chili beef base topped with golden, crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect blend of robust chili flavors and crunchy textures, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions or cilantro for a fresh finish. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines convenience with deliciousness in under an hour.

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

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Garnish

  • Chopped green onions or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
  3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Make Chili Base: Stir in the chili beans with their liquid, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili to create a cheesy layer.
  6. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even single layer on top of the cheese-covered chili.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the casserole with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a delicious comfort meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chili beans with kidney beans or black beans if preferred.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheese flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This casserole can be made ahead up to step 6, then refrigerated and baked when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://therecipeshome.com/crispy-tot-chili-casserole-recipe-3/