Cheesy Chili Potato Bake
Transform your leftover chili into a comforting and hearty dish with this Cheesy Chili Potato Bake. This recipe layers tender sliced potatoes with zesty chili, smooth cream cheese, savory cream of mushroom soup, and generous amounts of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering casserole that's perfect for family dinners. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this one-dish meal is not just an excellent way to use up leftovers but also a satisfying indulgence that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and designed to fill your belly and warm your heart.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 (medium, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick)
Chili
3 cups (your favorite homemade or store-bought)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 cups
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2
Begin by layering the bottom of the casserole dish with half of the sliced potatoes, ensuring they cover the base evenly.
3
Spread half of your favorite chili over the potatoes, followed by half of the cubed cream cheese scattered throughout.
4
Next, pour half of the cream of mushroom soup over the chili and then sprinkle with a layer of sharp cheddar cheese.
5
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, chili, cream cheese, mushroom soup, and finish with another generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese on top.
6
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to tenderize.
7
After 1 1/2 hours, remove the foil and add additional cheddar cheese on top, then return to the oven uncovered for an extra 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
8
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 20 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
34
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chili Potato Bake?
It is a hearty casserole made by layering sliced potatoes with chili, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick.
Can I use store-bought chili?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of your favorite homemade or store-bought chili.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and savory flavor.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The 8 ounces of cream cheese should be cubed before scattering it throughout the layers.
What is the total baking time?
The casserole bakes for a total of 1 hour and 40 minutes: 1.5 hours covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
At what temperature should I set my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size casserole dish is needed?
A standard 9x13-inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, ensure you grease the 9x13-inch casserole dish before you begin layering.
How thick should the potato slices be?
Potatoes should be sliced approximately 1/8 inch thick to ensure they cook through properly.
How many layers are in this casserole?
The recipe involves two full layers of potatoes, chili, cream cheese, soup, and cheddar cheese.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
Covering the dish with foil helps the potatoes tenderize and prevents the cheese from burning during the long bake time.
When do I add the extra cheese on top?
Add the additional cheddar cheese after the initial 1.5 hours of baking, then bake for 10 more minutes.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let the casserole rest for 20 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before slicing.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically described as an excellent and hearty way to transform leftover chili.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, 34g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, you could experiment with cream of chicken or celery as substitutes.
How many ingredients are in this bake?
There are 7 main ingredients: potatoes, chili, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a budget-friendly one-dish meal that uses common pantry and fridge items.
Can I add extra seasoning?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste to suit your flavor preferences.
Can I use a different cheese than sharp cheddar?
Yes, although sharp cheddar is recommended, you can use other melting cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
What is the texture of this dish?
The dish has a creamy texture with tender potatoes and rich, melted cheese layers.
How do I know the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be soft and tender when pierced with a fork after the 1.5-hour bake time.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply use a vegetarian chili and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is also vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the serving count is not specified, a 9x13 dish typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble the layers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, though you may need to add baking time if starting from cold.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
You can, but it will change the flavor profile significantly and they may cook faster than white potatoes.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spiciness depends entirely on the type of chili you choose to use in the recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, one dish meal, cheesy, chili, potato, leftovers, comfort food, and easy recipe.