Description
This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold chili flavors, tender ground beef, two types of beans, and topped with golden crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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- 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (~1/2 of a 6-oz. can)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-oz.) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28-oz.) bag Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Tots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9”x13” casserole dish with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess liquid.
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add pinto beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and transfer beef mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Evenly layer frozen tots on top of the chili mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro on top. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy chili powder or add cayenne for a heat kick.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Top with sour cream or green onions for extra flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg