Description
A hearty and nostalgic dinner featuring bubbling chili, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Pantry and Protein Essentials
- 1 pound Ground beef or turkey (1 to 1.25 pounds, 85 to 90 percent lean) (Choose lean to minimize grease.)
- 1 Onion (Adds depth to the chili.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Enhances flavor.)
- 1 can Canned tomatoes (diced or crushed) (For a saucy texture.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (Concentrated richness.)
- 1 can Beans (kidney, pinto, or black) (Use your favorite.)
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder (Flavor backbone.)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin (Adds warmth.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For depth of flavor.)
- to taste teaspoon Salt and pepper (Adjust to taste before serving.)
Fresh Toppers and Finishing Touches
- 32 ounces Frozen tater tots (Keep them frozen until ready to use.)
- 2 cups Cheese (sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend) (For topping.)
- to taste Green onions (For garnish.)
- to taste Jalapeños (For garnish.)
- to taste Sour cream (For garnish.)
- to taste Cilantro (For garnish.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- If making homemade chili, brown the ground meat with onion and garlic.
- Stir in the spices, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer until thick.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 dish or a large cast iron skillet.
- Spread the chili in an even layer.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese over the chili.
- Arrange frozen tater tots on top in a tight and neat layer.
Cooking
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tots are deep golden.
- Add a final handful of cheese during the last 5 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before topping and serving.
Notes
For a crispier tot layer, keep tots frozen until baking. If your chili is watery, simmer uncovered to reduce. Serve with toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American