This Canned Food Can Upgrade Frozen Tater Tots To A Full Meal

While the origin of frozen tater tots highlights the ingenious way of turning food scraps into bite-sized potato cylinders, the appeal of the side lies more in its convenience. Tater tots are super easy to prepare. Just bake, air fry, or deep fry the mini-barrels to enjoy the tots' deeply crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Like most fried snacks, though, tater tots can be too mild or not that filling for some people. If this is you, it may be time to spice up your tater tots. 

A can of chili can upgrade a plain side of crispy tots with hearty ingredients. Depending on the variety, canned chili can offer ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and various seasonings to the crunchy tots, making them feel more like a complete meal.

The best way to pair canned chili with frozen tater tots is to first cook the latter until they're golden-brown and crisp. Then, heat the canned chili separately before spooning it over the tots to make a dish similar to chili fries. If you want to make it fancier, arrange pre-baked tots on a sheet pan and top them with warm chili, sliced sausages, and shredded cheese before tossing the tray in the oven. Bake until the cheese melts and the chili seeps into the sausages and crispy mini barrels. You'd be surprised how these inexpensive kitchen staples can form a filling meal with very low effort.

Canned chili is already a substantial upgrade if you're looking to just amp up the flavor profile of frozen tater tots. However, many other tater tot toppings can tantalize your taste buds just as much or even more. For instance, cheese can do wonders. If you want a little extra heat, tang, and a creamy, melty finish, add Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or any Mexican-style cheese blend. Meanwhile, mozzarella cheese can give this dish a chewier, silkier upgrade. If you're not a fan, just stick to shredded cheddar cheese; its sharp, creamy flavor already goes well with both the canned chili and the mini potato barrels.

Several other toppings can make this an even heartier and more packed meal with contrasting flavors and textures, à la Tex-Mex. A dollop of sour cream can offer a cool, tangy contrast to the warm chili, while pickled onions can bring a similar bright, tangy kick. For something richer, simply add sliced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. Diced tomatoes, on the other hand, can lighten things up with their acidic flavor. For a hint of freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions. To give the dish a satisfying crunch, scatter crispy bacon or crushed tortilla chips over the top. Finally, finish with sliced or pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce to take the heat up a notch.