Can Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole be prepared in advance?

Yes, for convenience, you can prepare the chili base a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole by adding the cheese and frozen tater tots just before baking to ensure the tots stay crispy.

What are the best cheese varieties to use in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its robust flavor and excellent melt. For variation, consider using a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a touch of smoked Gouda to add different layers of flavor and creaminess.

How can I enhance the flavor of the chili layer?

To deepen the chili's flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper for heat, or even a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder (about a teaspoon) which mysteriously enriches the savory notes without tasting like chocolate. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference too!

Can I incorporate extra vegetables into the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to stir in additional vegetables like corn kernels, black beans, or finely diced bell peppers into the chili mixture. If using fresh vegetables, sautu00e9 them briefly with the onion before adding the other chili ingredients.

Ultimate Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: Your New Favorite Comfort Food!

Name: Ultimate Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Description

A hearty and irresistible casserole combining savory chili, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chili seasoning mix, beef broth, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: While the chili simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Pour the prepared chili mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili layer.
Step 6: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese. Make sure they cover the entire surface for maximum crispiness.
Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chili. Top with sour cream, green onions, or extra cheese before serving. This casserole is perfect for meal prepping; simply make the chili base ahead of time and assemble before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg