If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines savory chili flavors with crispy tater tots, this Chili Tot Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic combination of seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices layered under a golden crown of tots that bake to crispy perfection. This dish is not only hearty and full of flavor but also simple enough to make any night of the week, making it a reliable favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chili Tot Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each component plays a vital role in creating layers of taste and texture. From tender beans to savory spices and those irresistible crispy tots, these ingredients come together effortlessly for a meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.
- Dark red kidney beans: Adds creaminess and an earthy taste while bulking up the chili with protein and fiber.
- Crispy frozen tots: The star topping that crisps up beautifully to give a delightful crunch that contrasts the savory filling.
- Dried thyme: Offers a subtle hint of herbal freshness, elevating the overall flavor.
- Chicken broth with less sodium: Keeps the chili moist and adds a savory depth without overpowering.
- Pinto beans: Brings softness and a slight sweetness, enriching the chili’s texture.
- Dried oregano: Provides a warm, aromatic nuance balancing out the spices.
- Lean ground beef (93% lean): Delivers hearty, meaty richness while keeping the dish lighter.
- Cheddar cheese (optional): Adds creaminess and melty goodness for an extra comforting touch.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a robust and savory foundation flavor.
- Chopped yellow onion: Brings sweetness and texture as it cooks down.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickness to bind the chili.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté and develop the flavors of garlic and onions.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Gives a fresh, bright contrast when sprinkled on top.
- Crushed tomatoes: Contributes juicy acidity that balances the richness of the meat.
- Chili powder: Brings that signature warm, smoky heat that defines the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and enhances the spices.
- Ground cumin: Provides earthiness and depth, rounding out the chili profile.
- Kosher salt: Elevates all flavors and enhances seasoning throughout the dish.
How to Make Chili Tot Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean and crispy on the edges.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then toss in the minced garlic and stir for another couple of minutes. These sautéed aromatics build the flavor base for the chili filling.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to your pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir it occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes until there’s no pink left. Once browned, drain any excess fat or liquid to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Build Flavor with Spices and Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes on the heat to marry the flavors, creating that classic chili aroma.
Step 5: Add Beans, Broth, and Tomatoes
Now add the rinsed kidney and pinto beans, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, then turn up the heat briefly to bring it all to a boil. This step helps thicken the mixture slightly before moving to the casserole dish. Once it boils, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Transfer your rich chili mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then carefully arrange the frozen tots on top in a single layer. These tots will turn into the crispy topping that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. By the end, the tots should be golden and crispy, nesting atop that bubbling chili layer below.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Optional Cilantro
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, along with chopped cilantro if you like some freshness. Return the bake to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully, creating a luscious, gooey topping.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Give your Chili Tot Bake a good 10 minutes to cool and set before serving. This rest time helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Chili Tot Bake Recipe
Garnishes
While optional, garnishing your Chili Tot Bake with fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can add fresh brightness and creamy contrast to the savory, crispy dish. These little extras really take it to the next level!
Side Dishes
This hearty Chili Tot Bake stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies offers a refreshing balance. Warm cornbread or tortilla chips also complement the Southwest flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Chili Tot Bake in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. You can also turn leftovers into loaded chili tot cups by layering spoonfuls into muffin tins and reheating until tots are crispy again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chili Tot Bake cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen if eaten the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish before baking by assembling it all in a freezer-safe container with the tots on top. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding extra baking time until heated through and crispy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the tots crisp, or use the microwave for a faster option though the topping may lose some crunch. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top during reheating for an extra melty finish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or extra beans and veggies. Adjust spices to taste for that same killer chili flavor without the meat.
What kind of tater tots should I use?
Frozen crispy tots work best because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely during baking. Avoid pre-cooked or soft tots that might become soggy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend to suit your taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate chili flavor with warmth and smokiness but isn’t overly spicy. You can increase chili powder or add chipotle powder if you prefer more heat.
How do I make sure the tots stay crispy?
Baking the dish uncovered at a high temperature and adding the tots as the last step before baking helps maintain crunch. Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave also preserves crispiness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chili Tot Bake Recipe — it’s comforting, fun to make, and endlessly satisfying. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish delivers delicious layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Give it a try soon, and get ready to make a new favorite in your rotation!
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Chili Tot Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Chili Tot Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and a flavorful tomato-based chili mixture topped with crispy golden tater tots. This easy-to-make dish bakes in the oven until bubbly and perfect for a family-friendly meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
Tomato and Seasonings
- ⅓ cup tomato paste (about half a 6-ounce can)
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Liquids and Fats
- 1 cup chicken broth with less sodium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- 1 28-ounce bag of crispy frozen tots
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and casserole dish: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess liquid from the pan to avoid a watery chili.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for a few minutes to let the spices blend well with the meat mixture.
- Incorporate beans, broth, and crushed tomatoes: Add the rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir thoroughly, increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the meat and bean chili mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly layer the frozen tater tots over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Add cheese and cilantro: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro evenly over the tots, if using. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to cool and set for about 10 minutes before serving to improve slicing and flavor melding.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease in the chili.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Cheddar cheese and cilantro toppings are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the chili set for easier serving.
- To make this gluten free, verify that the frozen tots and broth are certified gluten free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
