Easy Weeknight Chili Tot Bake
A hearty and simple meal, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, combining savory chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 15 ounce can chili beans drained (like pinto or kidney)
- 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
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef with the diced onion. Break up the beef as it cooks until no pink remains and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat thoroughly for a lighter dish.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes until it smells fragrant – be careful not to burn it!
- Add the drained chili beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Give it a good stir and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing all the wholesome flavors to meld beautifully.
- Pour the rich chili mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle about 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a neat single layer over the cheese. Finish by scattering the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the tater tots for extra golden goodness.
- Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and deliciously crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up perfectly. Enjoy this hearty and simple meal!
Notes
Enjoy this hearty and simple meal! This casserole allows it to set up perfectly. Feel free to adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 733 kcal
Total Carbs: 60 g
Net Carbs: 51 g
Fats: 43 g
Protein: 30 g
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 733 kcal
Total Carbs: 60 g
Net Carbs: 51 g
Fats: 43 g
Protein: 30 g
