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A wooden spatula lifts a serving of tater tot casserole with browned beef and melted cheese from a baking dish.

Chili Tater Tot Casserole With Tater Coins

Chef Jenn
Chili Tater Tot Casserole with Tater Coins is a cheesy, hearty comfort food dinner with a crispy smashed tater tot crust, rich chili filling, and golden potato coins on top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 378 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ bag frozen tater tots
  • ½ bag frozen tater coins
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 cups prepared chili
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 cup diced tomato

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F, coat a 10×10-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
  • Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the sheet pan and warm them for 8 to 10 minutes until softened but not browned. Let cool for a few minutes until cool enough to handle.
  • Flatten the tots into coarse rounds with a potato masher or the bottom of a sturdy measuring cup, then drizzle the oil over the crushed tots.
  • Transfer the crushed tots into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust, using a flat-bottom measuring cup or offset spatula to compact it well, especially in the corners.
  • Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it begins to set and lightly crisp around the edges, then remove the dish from the oven.
  • Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the hot crust to create a barrier between the crust and the chili.
  • Spoon the chili evenly over the cheese layer and spread it gently with the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula.
  • Top the chili with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, spreading it evenly from edge to edge.
  • Arrange the frozen tater coins in a tight single layer over the cheese, slightly overlapping if needed to cover the surface.
  • Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the tater coins are golden and crisp and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  • Rest the casserole for 5 minutes, then top it with the sliced green onions and the diced tomato just before serving.

Video

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Recipe Notes

  • Softening the tots in the oven first is important so the crust presses together instead of falling apart.
  • Use thick chili for the best texture. Thin chili will make the crust soggy.
  • A potato masher makes quick work of crushing the hot tots without turning them into mush.
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices and scoops more cleanly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 378kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 18gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 826mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 940IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 455mgIron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Chili Tater Tot Casserole with Tater Coins, hearty casserole with a crispy tater tot, hearty comfort food
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