As the autumn leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings everyone together. Our Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect embodiment of cozy gatherings, deliciously marrying a rich, savory chili with the indulgence of gooey cheese and the crispiness of tater tots. This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to create warm, lasting memories with your loved ones around the dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) of frozen tater tots
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the chili mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can use store-bought chili as the filling. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or increase the amount of beans and vegetables.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Pairings
For a complete meal, serve this casserole with a side of fresh cornbread and a mixed green salad. A warm apple cider or a glass of red wine would complement this hearty dish beautifully.
We hope this Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole brings warmth and joy to your family gatherings. Capture your delicious creations and share them with us on social media using #ZynahzRecipes or by tagging @Zynahz on Instagram. We’d love to see your culinary masterpieces!
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