Description
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining crispy tater tots, smoky turkey bacon, rich plant-based cheese, and a hearty chili made with natural ingredients and a natural gelling agent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare, versatile, and a crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili Base
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (natural), 14.5 oz
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 cup water mixed with natural gelling agent
Other Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag tater tots
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cups plant-based cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Base: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Pour in water mixed with a natural gelling agent to achieve the perfect chili consistency. Simmer gently while stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the chili mixture evenly over the bottom. Layer with a generous amount of plant-based cheese, then spread a layer of tater tots. Sprinkle the chopped turkey bacon evenly over the tots. Top with the remaining chili mixture and more plant-based cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Choose quality tater tots to ensure crispness.
- Simmer the chili thoroughly to deepen flavors and thicken sauce with the natural gelling agent.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Allow casserole to rest before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Chili Cheese Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Plant-Based Cheese, Comfort Food, Turkey Bacon, Gluten Free