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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy tater tots with a smoky chili base made from smoked turkey bacon and a rich layer of melted plant-based cheese. Featuring diced onions, bell peppers, and a savory vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), this comforting casserole delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and adaptable to various dietary preferences, making it an ideal meal for busy nights or feeding a hungry group.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 can beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Casserole Components

  • 4 cups frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded plant-based cheese (cheddar-style or mozzarella-style)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili base: Begin by sautéing the diced onions and bell peppers in a pan over medium heat until they become soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the bacon is lightly crisped. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Let the chili simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  2. Layer the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a wide, shallow baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the prepared chili on the bottom. Evenly place a layer of tater tots over the chili, then sprinkle generously with shredded plant-based cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining chili, tater tots, and cheese to create two layers.
  3. Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the tater tots begin to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  4. Let it rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This settling time lets the flavors meld and the filling set slightly for neat slices when serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a wide, shallow baking dish to maximize crispy tater tots.
  • Adjust chili spices according to your taste preference for balanced flavor.
  • Choose a quality plant-based cheese for the best melting and creamy texture.
  • Cover with foil if the tater tots brown too fast during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: casserole, tater tots, chili, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, smoky, quick dinner, gluten free, family meal

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