Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Seasoned ground beef chili topped with frozen tater tots and cheddar cheese, baked until golden.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Nine by thirteen baking dish
- Instant read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lb lean ground beef 93 percent lean
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin plus 1/2 tsp more
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cup frozen tater tots
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Saute. Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until soft.
- Brown. Add the beef and cook until browned and 160 degrees F, then drain the fat and stir in the tomato paste and spices for 5 minutes.
- Layer. Spread the chili mixture in a baking dish, top with tater tots, then cheese.
- Bake. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until the tots are golden and crisp, then rest 5 minutes.
Notes
Substitutions: Use pepper jack or another melting cheese in place of cheddar. Ground turkey works if cooked to 165 degrees F.
Tips: Drain the beef well and bake the tots from frozen for the crispiest top. Wear gloves when handling fresh chilies.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to three days and reheat to 165 degrees F. Freeze for up to two months.
Nutrition does not include the optional jalapeno, hot sauce, black beans, or corn.