Description
This Easy Weeknight Chili Tot Bake combines a hearty chili made with lean ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, layered under a crispy golden topping of tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, simple casserole perfect for busy evenings when you want to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 15 ounce can chili beans, drained (such as pinto or kidney beans)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef along with the diced onion. Break the beef apart as it cooks until fully browned and the onions become soft. Drain any excess fat thoroughly to keep the dish lighter.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer chili mixture: Add the drained chili beans, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir well and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add cheese layer: Sprinkle about 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.
- Arrange tater tots: Place the frozen tater tots in a single neat layer over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese on top is bubbly and melted.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty and easy meal!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili beans.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetarian beans.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chili tot bake, tater tot casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef casserole, cheesy tater tots, comfort food, simple chili recipe
