Save Nothing kicks off a cozy gathering quite like this mashup. Mac and Cheese Chili Cheese Tots are the ultimate party dish that checks every comfort food box imaginable with a crisp base of golden tots smothered in creamy macaroni and hearty chili. I first riffed on this when we had a fridge full of leftovers after a big cookout and it has been the MVP at sports nights and birthday parties ever since.
The first time my family tried this, we ended up scraping the serving bowl clean. My youngest called it a food hug, and now it is the go-to for any celebration.
Ingredients
- Tater tots: These are the magic base that bring all the toppings together. Look for ones with minimal ingredients for crispiness.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic shape for holding extra cheese sauce. Go for bronze-cut if you can for a better texture.
- Unsalted butter: It gives richness to the cheese sauce. Opt for high-quality butter as it affects the final flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken your sauce. Make sure it is fresh for lump-free results.
- Whole milk: Full-fat milk delivers the creamiest sauce. Choose organic or local if available.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The tangy bite balances all the richness. Grate your own from a block for best melt and flavor.
- Chili powder and spices: Bring warmth and flavor. Use a fresh spice blend for maximum impact.
- Ground beef or plant-based meat: For a vegetarian version swap the beef for plant crumbles or add extra kidney beans.
- Diced tomatoes and kidney beans: Pantry standards that give body and tang to the chili. Look for tomatoes with no added sugar.
- Monterey Jack or additional cheddar: Mild and melty cheese for topping. Melts beautifully for that bubbly finish.
- Green onions cilantro jalapeño: These give color and zing. Use fresh for the best pop of flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake the Tots:
- Slide your oven to 220 degrees Celsius and arrange tater tots in a single layer on a sheet. Bake until the bottoms are crisp and golden about 12 to 15 minutes then flip and continue until deeply crunchy all over. This double bake makes sure they stand up to all those toppings.
- Make the Chili:
- In a big skillet warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it get soft and a little golden about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant so it does not burn. Add ground beef or plant-based crumbles and let it brown fully breaking it up as you go. Pour off any extra fat for a lighter feel. Stir in tomatoes beans tomato paste all seasonings and let the mix bubble away until thickened and nicely saucy about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cook and Drain the Macaroni:
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the macaroni and stir so it does not stick. Cook until just barely al dente about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside without rinsing so the sauce sticks later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and let it cook for a minute to lose its raw taste but do not let it go brown. Slowly pour in milk whisking the whole time until you have a smooth silky mixture. Keep it on a gentle simmer until thickened about 3 to 4 minutes. Take it off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until completely melted and glossy. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the drained macaroni for one creamy tangle.
- Layer and Bake:
- On a large serving platter or an oven safe dish scatter the crispy tater tots. Spoon the cheesy macaroni all over the top then pile on the bubbling chili. Shower the surface with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake to Melt:
- Return the dish to your hot oven just until the cheese on top is gooey and bubbling about 5 to 7 minutes. This quick blast makes the whole dish irresistible.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter sliced green onions cilantro and fresh jalapeño if you want extra kick. Serve straight out of the oven for maximum meltiness.
Save Sharp cheddar is my personal must have here for both mac and chili. My kids think the dish is not the same without it and honestly I catch myself snacking on the leftovers straight from the fridge.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep surprisingly well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 190 degrees Celsius to revive the crispiness. If you need to make this ahead assemble all the components but bake the final cheese topping right before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the tots but small portions can be gently warmed if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap plant-based meat and vegan cheese for a dairy free or vegetarian version. Use gluten-free pasta and flour if needed. Any melty cheese like gouda or pepper jack gives a new twist. Kidney beans can be swapped for black beans or pinto beans if that is what you have. If you want less heat skip jalapeños or swap chili powder for a milder spice blend.
Serving Suggestions
This works as a main with a bright green salad or set it out appetizer style for friends to share. Great with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for more intensity. Pairs nicely with a crisp lager or a light zinfandel for grown up gatherings.
Cultural and Historical Context
This recipe is pure American comfort with diner roots. It takes two classic dishes and merges them in a way that would fit right in at a Midwestern pub or a backyard get together. The mashup trend has real roots for game day food but also brings the nostalgia of school lunches and family potlucks. Loaded tot dishes first became trendy in the US in the early 2000s and have stuck around thanks to the balance of crunchy and creamy.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add sweet corn or chopped tomatoes in summer for a fresher note. Chopped kale or spinach can be stirred into the chili for a little extra green. In winter a smoky gouda cheese makes the dish feel even cozier.
Save This dish makes any night a celebration whether you want to cozy up with comfort food or impress a table of friends. Make it your own with extra toppings or cheese and enjoy every gooey crunchy bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or use extra beans for a satisfying vegetarian chili layer.
- → What cheeses work best for the mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor, but pepper jack or smoked gouda add tasty twists to the creamy cheese sauce.
- → How do I achieve extra crispy tater tots?
Bake tots in a hot oven, flip halfway, and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, both the chili and mac can be cooked in advance. Assemble and finish baking when ready to serve for best texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase or reduce jalapeños, and tweak chili powder to match your heat preference. Mild options work well too.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
Try a crisp lager or light red wine to complement the hearty, rich flavors and creamy cheese layers.