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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring crispy tater tots, smoky turkey bacon, melted plant-based cheese, and savory chili made with ground beef or plant-based mince. This easy-to-make casserole delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or plant-based mince
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (natural)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1 cup beans (kidney or black), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent

Other Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen tater tots
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili base: Cook the ground beef or plant-based mince in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Add diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chili powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), beans, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Add the natural gelling agent and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Cook the smoked turkey bacon: While the chili simmers, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Once done, chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread an even layer of the chili mixture. Sprinkle the chopped smoked turkey bacon on top, then generously cover with shredded plant-based cheese. Finally, arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, creating a crispy, golden crust.
  4. Bake to perfection: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove carefully and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set nicely.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help everything cook evenly and speed up baking time.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; giving the tater tots some breathing room ensures they crisp perfectly.
  • Pre-cook tater tots slightly by baking them for 10 minutes before assembling the casserole for extra crunch.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and easier slicing.
  • Use freshly shredded plant-based cheese as it melts better and creates a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: chili cheese tater tot casserole, plant-based casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comforting casserole, smoky turkey bacon casserole, plant-based cheese casserole

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/chili-cheese-tater-tot-casserole/