Crispy Tot Chili Casserole
Crispy Tot Chili Casserole combines rich, meaty chili layered with crunchy golden tots and melty cheddar. It’s a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly dish perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds lean ground beef 93% lean
- ⅓ cup tomato paste ~½ of a 6-ounce can
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 28-ounce bag frozen super crispy tots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional garnish
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13-inch dish with non-stick spray.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook diced onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef, breaking it up and draining excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Stir in tomato paste and spices; cook for a few minutes to deepen flavor.
- Build the Chili: Add beans, crushed tomatoes, and broth; stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to the dish and top with frozen crispy tots.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and crisp.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle on cheese and cilantro, then bake for another 5–10 minutes.
- Let it Rest: Cool for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.