Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
A fun and hearty dish combining comforting chili flavors with delightful crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the chili
- ½ tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the topping
- 3 cups tater tots Use frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Feel free to experiment with different cheese types
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer the beef chili mixture. Top with tater tots and sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can use different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey jack. If you like your chili spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Try adding black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.