Description
Chili Tot Bake is a comforting casserole that combines hearty, seasoned ground beef chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious, family-friendly meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with additional toppings like sour cream and green onions for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Chili Base: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, chili beans with their liquid, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chili to cover the surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, top with sour cream and chopped green onions for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- For more heat, add a chopped jalapeño or use a spicy chili seasoning mix.
- Use leftover chili to save time by layering it with tater tots and cheese for the bake.
- Customize your chili base by adding extra ingredients like black olives, corn, or diced bell peppers.
- Use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Ensure the tater tots are spread evenly for consistent crispiness.
