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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, satisfying comfort food packed with smoky turkey bacon, melty plant-based cheese, and a rich, savory chili topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, it combines effortless preparation, balanced textures, and versatile flavors for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 8 oz smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese & Dairy Alternatives

  • 2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded

Frozen Foods

  • 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

Pantry & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chili Base: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chili powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Add black beans and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural). Simmer the chili base on low heat for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
  2. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chili mixture evenly in a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese over the chili, then distribute the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces evenly on top. Finish by covering with a thick, even layer of frozen tater tots, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for best crispiness.
  3. Bake and Crisp: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Monitoring towards the end ensures the topping achieves a perfect crunch without burning.
  4. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of plant-based sour cream (natural) if desired.

Notes

  • Spread the chili and cheese evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every forkful.
  • Avoid stacking tater tots too high so they crisp thoroughly.
  • Adjust seasoning of chili mixture before assembling the casserole.
  • Use room temperature plant-based cheese for even melting.
  • Allow casserole to rest before serving for neat slices and flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: chili casserole, tater tot casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon casserole, comfort food, gluten free casserole

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