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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

  • Author: Kevin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and savory dish combining crispy tater tots, flavorful chili, and melted plant-based cheese. Featuring smoked turkey bacon, aromatic spices, hearty beans, and a natural gelling agent for the perfect texture, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. Customizable and nutrient-rich, it delivers satisfying cheesy goodness with a crispy crunch in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Base

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
  • 1 cup beans (kidney or black beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 fresh jalapeño or 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

Topping and Layers

  • 3 cups tater tots (frozen)
  • 2 cups shredded plant-based cheese

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes

  • Diced zucchini, corn, or mushrooms (optional)
  • Plant-based sour cream (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chili Base: In a large skillet, cook chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook, stirring until evenly browned. Stir in tomato sauce, beans, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chili powder, cumin, natural gelling agent, and apple cider vinegar (natural). Add diced jalapeño or bell pepper if using. Let the chili simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors are well combined.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the chili base evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded plant-based cheese on top, then arrange a single layer of tater tots. Repeat with the remaining chili and cheese, finishing with a final layer of tater tots on top to create a crispy topping.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crunchy and the plant-based cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer for the best crunch.
  • Cook spices briefly with onions to release their full aroma.
  • Mix different shredded plant-based cheeses for better melt and flavor complexity.
  • Prepare chili base a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for crispy texture or microwave for convenience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Chili Cheese Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Plant-Based Cheese, Comfort Food, Gluten Free, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Family Dinner

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