Satisfy your craving with spicy chili tater tots.
Are you craving a hearty and comforting meal that satisfies your taste buds and fills up your belly? Look no further than this mouth-watering chili tater tot casserole recipe.
As a culinary explorer, I’ve traveled far and wide to discover the most delicious dishes, and this recipe has quickly become one of my favorites. With its combination of savory chili, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and filling to nourish your body and soul. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re a busy parent trying to feed a hungry household or a college student looking for budget-friendly meals, this chili tater tot casserole recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who just can’t get enough of tater tots and cheese? Do you crave the hearty flavors of chili and ground beef? If so, then this chili tater tot casserole is about to become your new favorite dish!
One of the beauties of this recipe is that it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that are bound to be in your cupboard or fridge. You’ll just need ground beef, ground turkey, cans of chili, tater tots, cheese and some spices to bring everything to life. And trust me, the combination of spicy chili beans, crispy tater tots and gooey, melted cheese is out of this world.
What sets this recipe apart from other casseroles is that it’s incredibly filling and satisfying. Each bite will warm you up and leave you feeling comforted from the inside out. Plus, the Tabasco sauce adds a nice kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds without being too overpowering.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you; this casserole has layers of flavors and textures that will keep your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining at home, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table.
So what are you waiting for? Give this chili tater tot casserole a try! Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also great for meal prep and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. You won’t regret giving this hearty recipe a chance – it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient List
Before preparing this Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe, it is important to have all the ingredients required. Here is the list of the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cans chili
- 1 (10 ounce) can tomato sauce
- or 15 ounce can vegetarian chili
- or 15 ounce can green chili
- or 9 oz. easy cheesy mexicali chili
- or your favorite canned chili
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 lb. frozen tater tots [about 32 oz. or 5 cups]
- Ground beef, salt and pepper to taste
- Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce or other seasonings as desired.
Now that we know what goes into this hotdish, let’s get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Here’s where the magic happens. If you’ve been following along, you should have all of your ingredients ready to go. Let’s dive straight into the recipe:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Brown meat and cook onions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 pound of ground turkey together in the skillet. Add 1 diced yellow onion and stir occasionally until the meat is cooked through and the onions are fragrant.
Step 3: Season meat
Season the meat mixture with Beef salt, pepper to taste, using about 1 teaspoon each.
Step 4: Add garlic and cook
Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute or two, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 5: Add chili beans, tomato sauce, hot sauce
Stir in two cans of chili beans, 10 ounces of tomato sauce, and your preferred amount of Tabasco sauce for an extra kick. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about five minutes.
Step 6: Arrange tater tots on baking dish
Place a single layer of frozen tater tots on the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 7: Pour chili over tater tots
Pour half of your chili mixture over the layer of tater tots.
Step 8: Add shredded cheese
Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the chili.
Step 9: Repeat layers
Repeat steps 6-8 with another layer of tater tots, chili, and cheese.
Step 10: Bake casserole
Bake for approximately *35-40 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
That’s it! Your delicious Chili Tater Tot Casserole is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this chili tater tot casserole, there are a variety of substitutions and variations you can make to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are some options to consider:
– Meat: While the recipe calls for a combination of lean ground beef and ground turkey, you could use all beef, all turkey or swap them out for ground chicken or pork. For a vegetarian version of the dish, substitute the meat with a can of vegetarian chili or extra beans of your choice.
– Cheese: The recipe calls for a Mexican blend cheese, but you could use cheddar, Monterey Jack or any other melting cheese you prefer. As well as shredded cheese, try adding cream cheese or sour cream for an even creamier texture.
– Toppings: This dish already has plenty of flavors, but feel free to add some extra crunch by topping it with crushed tortilla chips or sliced jalapenos. I also love serving it with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
– Heat level: If you like your food spicy, add a few drops of Tabasco sauce or green chili peppers to the mix. Alternatively, if you prefer mild flavors, omit ingredients like chili powder and cayenne pepper from the recipe.
– Sauce: Rather than using canned chili sauce, try making your own homemade chili sauce or enchilada sauce for added depth of flavor.
– Tater tots: While classic tater tots work great in this recipe, experiment with different shapes and flavors like !Sweet potato tots” for an elevated twist.
Overall, feel free to get creative and adapt this chili tater tot casserole recipe to suit your taste buds and cooking skills. It’s a versatile dish that always hits the spot!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this delectable chili tater tot casserole, you’ve got many options at your disposal. Whether you’re in a snacky mood as an appetizer before the main course or looking to satisfy those hunger pangs for a quick & filling meal for lunch, this recipe has your back.
As a main dish, I like to serve this casserole with a side salad of mixed greens and a dollop of sour cream on top. The creaminess of the sour cream complements the spiciness and tanginess of the chili sauce. You may also add some chopped green onions or diced jalapeno peppers for an extra pop of flavor.
If you’re looking to elevate this casserole to newer heights & turn into a complete game-changer dish, Pairing it up with some freshly made guacamole and dipping some tortilla chips will take it to another level of taste. If you’d like to substitute chips with something else, try pairing it up with garlic bread or your favorite breadsticks as they complement the saucy texture of the dish.
To make your guests asking for more, serve them with any beverage that pairs well with cheeseburger and fries like coke or beer. Another option is wine, which pairs well with the rich tomato-based flavors present in the chili sauce.
Now that you’ve got insight into how flexible this recipe can be when it comes to serving and pairing, just remember there are no wrong answers here – This chili tater tot casserole is exquisite enough and can be served any way; whatever method floats your boat has its unique glory too.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you make this chili tater tot casserole, you may want to enjoy it for more than one meal. Fortunately, it is easy to store and reheat. You can even make it ahead of time if you want.
To make this meal ahead of time, prepare the casserole as instructed in sections (3) and (4), but instead of baking it, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can make the chili a day or two ahead and store it separately in the fridge.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven (as described in the recipe’s How-To section) and let the chilled casserole sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly.
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in your refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you prefer to reheat individual portions, take out however much you want from the fridge and heat in the microwave for about a minute on high. The cheese may not be as crispy as before but will still taste delicious!
It’s important not to reheat your meal multiple times as this can lead to food poisoning. So enjoy it promptly!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your chili tater tot casserole comes out just right, here are some helpful tips and tricks.
Firstly, I recommend using a lean ground meat like turkey or beef to prevent excess grease and oil. Additionally, don’t be afraid to add a couple of shakes of Worcestershire sauce into your ground meat mixture for added flavor depth.
When seasoning your meat, make sure to be generous with the salt and pepper to taste. A medium-sized onion finely chopped should also help boost the overall flavor profile. The key is to balance all the flavors so that they meld together for a savory and tantalizing dish.
For best results, preheat your oven to 375°F before baking the casserole. A 9×13 inch baking dish should work perfectly for this recipe. You could also sprinkle some green onions on top of the dish during the last few minutes of baking.
Lastly, don’t forget to let your chili tater tot casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to properly set and prevent any unpleasant burns while you enjoy this mouthwatering meal.
By following these simple tips, you’ll surely get a deliciously cheesy chili tater tot casserole that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends alike.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this fantastic chili tater tot casserole, let’s move on to some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe.
What goes good with a tater tot casserole?
I have been tasked with creating a recipe article that features nine different types of salads. These salads include asparagus salad, green bean salad, cucumber salad with bell pepper, green salad with fruit, Italian salad with green peppers and cherry tomatoes, fall harvest salad, Greek salad, wedge salad, and a classic green salad. My goal is to provide detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations that will help anyone create these dishes in their own kitchen.
Can you freeze tater tot casserole before you cook it?
If you’re looking to make a large batch of tater tot casserole for future meals, you’re in luck! This savory dish is freezer-friendly both baked and unbaked. One option is to prep the ground beef mixture, cheese, and tater tots separately and store them in portions for easier meal prep. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire casserole as is for a quick and easy dinner in the future. This versatile dish is perfect for those who love to plan ahead.
What is Tater Tot hotdish made of?
Tater tot hotdish is a classic dish that contains all the essential components of a hearty meal. This popular hot dish recipe includes savory ground beef, crispy tater tots, and a delightful mixture of green beans and corn. To add to its deliciousness, homemade cream of chicken soup is added to give the dish a rich and creamy texture. With this combination of ingredients, tater tot hotdish is sure to satisfy any hunger and leave you feeling warm and content.
What goes with tater tots for dinner?
Looking to spice up your sandwich game? Add some texture with crispy tots. The gooeyness of a grilled cheese pairs perfectly with tots. You can customize the meat and cheese options based on your preferences. Try grilled ham and Swiss, or turkey cheddar melts, both of which are elevated by the addition of tots.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chili Tater Tot Casserole recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of flavorful chili, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese make this casserole an irresistible comfort food that your family and friends will love.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also offers plenty of room for customization. You can substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef or add Tabasco sauce for an extra kick of heat. The possible variations are endless, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite version.
Overall, I highly recommend trying this recipe out. This Chili Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite in no time. So why not give it a try today? I promise, your taste buds won’t regret it!
Chili Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 (40 ounce) can dennison's chili con carne
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 (28 ounce) bag ore ida extra crispy tater tots
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce, here and there
Instructions
- In a 10 inch cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and ground turkey together. Season as you like.
- I used a 13 x 9 oval Pyrex casserole dish.
- Put the meats in the casserole dish.
- Pour the can of chili over the meats and blend together, pat down into the dish.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese liberally over the meat-chili mix, create a NICE layer of cheese.
- Pour the Tater Tots out of the bag onto the top off the cheese and even them out so they heat evenly, sprinkle a little seasoning over the top if you like.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 to 40 minute, until tater tot are heated and cheese is melted.
- Scoop onto platters and serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.