Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The robust vegetarian chili, enriched with warming spices, provides a savory base, while the crispy tater tots add a satisfying crunch. The melted cheese on top brings everything together, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s both filling and delicious. Plus, it’s a simple one-pan dish that requires minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chili Base: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Vegetables: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the Vegetables and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Chili: Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Assemble the Hotdish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan cheese or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture.
- Protein Boost: Include plant-based proteins like lentils or tofu crumbles in place of or in addition to the beans.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the hotdish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Vegetarian Chili Tater Tot Hotdish is gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free tater tots and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
While tater tots provide a convenient and crispy topping, you can use thinly sliced parboiled potatoes arranged on top. Bake until tender and golden.
How do I make the chili spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use spicy chili beans.
Can I freeze this hotdish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) hotdish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve with this hotdish?
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade vegetarian chili in place of the canned version for a personalized touch.
Are there any other toppings I can add?
Consider adding sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the tater tots from sinking into the chili?
Ensure the chili mixture is thickened slightly before adding the tater tots, and don’t overcrowd the tater tots in the pan.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or vegan cheese, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
This Vegetarian Chili Tater Tot Hotdish is a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its hearty chili base, crispy tater tot topping, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s simple to make, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time—making it both a satisfying and convenient choice for busy days.
Vegetarian Chili Tater Tot Hotdish
This Vegetarian Chili Tater Tot Hotdish is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that combines robust vegetarian chili with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, from the savory chili base to the crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Base: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Vegetables: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Chili: Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Assemble the Hotdish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan cheese or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- More Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Options: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or spicy chili beans to the chili mixture for a spicier dish.
- Protein Boost: For more protein, add lentils or tofu crumbles
