Sunday dinners with the nieces and nephews have become somewhat of a standing tradition in our family. It’s that one time of the week when everyone slows down long enough to laugh over stories from school, negotiate over who gets the last roll, and of course devour whatever ends up on the table.

Last weekend, I found myself staring into the pantry at 3:45 PM, realizing I needed something hearty, easy, and crowd-pleasing, fast. I spotted a bag of frozen tots in the freezer my emergency weapon and remembered the leftover cans of beans and tomato paste from the previous week’s meal prep. Chili casserole would be loaded with rich, smoky flavor, topped with ultra-crispy tots, and finished with melty cheese and a handful of fresh cilantro.

We chopped, stirred, and layered. The oven did most of the work. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, satisfying weeknight bake that feeds a crowd and makes you look like a dinner hero this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

Short Description

This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole combines bold, comforting chili with a golden blanket of crispy tater tots, finished with cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Key Ingredients

½ tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
⅓ cup tomato paste (~½ of a 6-ounce can)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) bag frozen super crispy tots
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
9×13-inch casserole dish
Oven
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick baking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Add the Beans and Broth
Mix in the pinto beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chili mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Layer frozen tots over the top in a single layer.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Garnish
Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar and chopped cilantro over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Combines comfort food classics: chili + crispy tots

– Feeds a crowd with minimal prep

– Kid-friendly and customizable

– High in protein and fiber from beans and lean beef

– Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights

– Naturally gluten-free with simple ingredients

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Using Regular Tots Instead of Crispy Ones
Solution: Always use “super crispy” frozen tots. They hold up better and give that essential crunch after baking.

Mistake 2: Overloading the Pan with Liquid
Solution: Stick to the 1 cup of broth. Adding more can make the base too watery and soggy the tots.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Cheese at the End
Solution: Even if you’re cutting back on dairy, just a little shredded cheese at the end enhances the flavor and gives it a creamy finish.

Mistake 4: Not Draining Beans Properly
Solution: Rinse and drain beans thoroughly. This helps control the salt content and prevents a mushy texture.

Mistake 5: Removing the Casserole Too Soon
Solution: Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking. It thickens and slices cleaner.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Main dish: Serve hot with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Side options: Pair with a simple green salad or sautéed vegetables

Drink pairings: A cold lager or sparkling lemonade works great

Serving style: Family-style straight from the baking dish or plated with garnishes

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave on medium for 2–3 minutes (though tots will soften slightly)

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and reduces the overall fat content. Just watch the seasoning it may need a little extra chili powder or salt.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meat and double up on the beans or add lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. How do I keep the tots crispy when reheating?
Use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Lay tots on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chili and top with tots, then cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

5. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the chili powder, but it’s not too spicy. You can adjust the heat with more or less chili powder or add crushed red pepper for extra spice.

Tips & Tricks

– Preheat the oven thoroughly before baking to ensure tots get crispy.

– If your skillet is oven-safe, you can use it as your baking dish to cut down on cleanup.

– Add a small splash of lime juice over the chili before baking for brightness.

– Want smoky flavor? Swap in smoked paprika for half the chili powder.

– For picky eaters, serve toppings like cheese and cilantro on the side so everyone can build their plate their way.

Recipe Variations

Southwest-Inspired Version:
Add 1 cup frozen corn and 1 small can diced green chilies to the chili base. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve with avocado slices and lime wedges.

Cheesy Ranch Twist:
Mix 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning into the beef mixture. Use shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Top with green onions instead of cilantro.

Vegan Version:
Replace beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Use plant-based cheese or omit. Stick to veggie broth and vegan-friendly tots.

Breakfast Tot Casserole:
Use breakfast sausage in place of ground beef, omit beans, and add scrambled eggs into the chili base. Top with tots and bake as usual. Great for brunch!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Tot Chili Casserole has firmly secured a spot in our Sunday dinner lineup not just for its simplicity, but for the way it effortlessly gathers everyone around the table. Watching the kids crunch down on the golden tots while sneaking bites of beans and beef underneath was the kind of moment that makes cooking feel less like a task and more like a connection. It’s hearty without being heavy, fun without being fussy, and simple enough to throw together on a whim.

Sometimes, it’s just about layering good things, trusting the oven, and letting the smell of dinner pull people together. And if you’re anything like me, one bite in, you’ll find yourself wondering why you don’t make it more often.

Crispy Tot Chili Casserole Recipe

Print This

Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

½ tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
⅓ cup tomato paste (~½ of a 6-ounce can)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) bag frozen super crispy tots
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional garnish)
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1. Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Step 2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.

Step 3. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.

Step 4. Add tomato paste and spices, cook briefly to deepen the flavor.

Step 5. Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes, and broth, bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Step 6. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top evenly with frozen tots.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until tots are golden and crispy.

Step 8. Top with cheese and cilantro, then bake for another 5–10 minutes until melted.

Step 9. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.