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
