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
Scale
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
