Introducing a delightful recipe straight from the heart of comfort food cuisine: Chili Macaroni Casserole! Perfect for those cozy evenings or potluck gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and easy prep, you’ll have this savory delight on the table in no time.
Chili Macaroni Casserole
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Potluck
Keywords: < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 small package of tater tots
- 1 box of macaroni and cheese
- 1/2 package of hot dogs (approximately 4-5 hot dogs)
- 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of chili (no beans)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 346.5
- Fat Content: 29.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 78.4mg
- Sodium Content: 761.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.2g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 1.5g
- Protein Content: 18.1g
Servings: 5
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees F, ensuring it reaches the desired heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Select a suitable baking dish, such as a small casserole pan or lasagna pan, and place it within easy reach for assembling your casserole.
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Arrange the tater tots: Begin by spreading a layer of tater tots evenly across the bottom of your chosen pan. These will serve as the crispy base for your casserole.
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Cook the tater tots: Place the pan in the preheated oven and allow the tater tots to cook until they are almost done. This ensures they are crispy and golden brown when the casserole is finished.
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Prepare the macaroni and cheese: While the tater tots are baking, cook the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box. This typically involves boiling the pasta and mixing it with the cheese sauce provided.
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Prepare the hot dogs: Slice the hot dogs into small, bite-sized pieces and set them aside for assembly.
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Layer the ingredients: Once the tater tots are almost done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Arrange the sliced hot dogs evenly over the tater tots, creating a delicious meaty layer.
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Add the macaroni and cheese: Next, spread the cooked macaroni and cheese evenly over the hot dogs, creating a creamy and comforting layer that will meld perfectly with the other ingredients.
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Top with chili: Open the can of chili (no beans) and spread it evenly over the macaroni and cheese layer. This savory addition adds depth of flavor and richness to the casserole.
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Sprinkle with cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring that each bite is gooey and cheesy.
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Bake until golden and bubbly: Place the assembled casserole back into the oven and bake until the cheese is golden brown and melted, creating a mouthwatering crust on top.
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Allow to cool: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures that the casserole is easier to slice and serve.
With its irresistible combination of crispy tater tots, creamy macaroni and cheese, savory hot dogs, and hearty chili, this Chili Macaroni Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or shared at a potluck gathering, it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
