Chili Cheese Tater Tots

Introduction

There’s something magical about tater tots that brings out the kid in all of us. Pair them with a hearty chili and gooey cheese, and you have a comfort food experience that’s hard to resist. Recently, I made Chili Cheese Tater Tots for my family, and it was an instant hit! The savory flavors of the chili combined with the crispy tater tots created a dish that was both satisfying and fun to eat. My kids loved the melted cheese on top, and I appreciated how easy it was to make. This dish has quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights and game day gatherings alike.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon oil
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 10 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups tater tots
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables:
In a medium stockpot, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion has softened and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess oil from the pot.

2. Make Chili:
To the beef mixture, add the chili powder, cumin, coriander, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the chili has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook Tater Tots:
While the chili is simmering, prepare the tater tots according to the package directions. You can bake, fry, or air fry them to your preference, but I recommend baking for a crispy texture.

4. Assemble Chili Cheese Tater Tots:
Once the tater tots are cooked, place them on a serving platter or individual plates. Top the tater tots generously with the chili mixture and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
If desired, you can pop the assembled tater tots back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese further. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Individual Plates: Serve on individual plates for a fun, personal touch.
• Family Style: Place everything on a large platter and let everyone serve themselves.
• Toppings: Offer additional toppings such as sour cream, diced green onions, or jalapeños for guests to customize their servings.

Additional Tips

1. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
2. Add Beans: For extra fiber and protein, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans to the chili.
3. Spice It Up: If you like a kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
4. Make Ahead: Prepare the chili in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
5. Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a twist on the flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute to create a vegetarian version.
• Loaded Tater Tots: Add toppings like diced avocado, olives, or salsa for a loaded twist.
• Tex-Mex Style: Incorporate corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• BBQ Chili Cheese Tots: Replace the chili seasoning with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Different Cuisines: Experiment with different spices like curry powder or Italian herbs for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the tater tots.
• Dips: Serve with ranch or guacamole on the side for extra flavor.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect as a snack for game day or a casual gathering with friends.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Chili freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
• Tater Tots: While tater tots are best fresh, you can freeze any leftovers. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen tater tots?
   Yes, frozen tater tots work perfectly for this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth?
   You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chili in advance and reheat it before serving.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
   The spice level can be adjusted by adding or reducing the chili powder and other spices.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or any vegetables you enjoy.
6. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Ensure your tater tots are gluten-free and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend in the chili.
7. Can I use a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the beef and onions in a pan, then transfer to a slow cooker with the other ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
8. What toppings do you recommend?
   Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or extra cheese make great toppings.
9. Can I use canned chili instead?
   Yes, for a quicker option, you can use canned chili and top it with cheese over the tater tots.
10. Is this a good dish for kids?
    Yes, kids love the combination of tater tots, cheese, and chili. Just adjust the spice level to their taste.

Conclusion

Chili Cheese Tater Tots are a delightful twist on classic comfort food that brings joy to both kids and adults alike. With a rich chili on top of crispy tater tots and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner or a party with friends. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize make it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself making it a regular feature on your menu!

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