Chili Cheese Potato Casserole
June 9, 2009 > 20 Comments
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Want to know a favorite guilty indulgence of mine? Well, I’ll tell you anyhow…chili cheese fries. Yes, I know they are bad for me and yes, I know the fat and calories from one small plate isn’t worth it, but that doesn’t stop me from indulging in them a few times a year.
Today I was craving chili cheese fries. It’s been so long since I’ve had them and even though this beautiful warm weather doesn’t usually put me in the mood for comfort food like that, I couldn’t shake the craving. So I decided to try to re-create that taste at home. And while I was at it, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try to make it just a teeny, tiny bit healthier too.
I was pleasantly surprised at how successfully I pulled it off. I don’t know if it was much healthier than I’d get at a restaurant. However, I used diced potatoes instead of French fries, so there must be something redemptive in that fact. (Although if you make this and want to use homemade fries or a bag of frozen ones, I certainly wouldn’t blame you.)
Chili Cheese Potato Casserole
- 2 pounds potatoes, diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 8oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 T. chili powder
- 2 t. cumin
- 2 t. garlic powder
- 1 t. salt
- 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
- 2 T. butter or margarine
- 2 T. flour
- 1 1/3 c. milk
- 2 c. shredded cheese, separated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Place diced potatoes in a large pot 3/4 full with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until fork tender. Drain and pour into a 13×9 casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Add tomato sauce and crushed or diced tomatoes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. While the chili simmers, melt 2 T. butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, bring to a boil and simmer until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 c. cheese. Stir until cheese is completely melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes in the casserole dish.
5. Top with the chili. (If you are cooking this dish during stolen moments, let the chili cool before adding to casserole dish.)
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 c. shredded cheese over the chili. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Can I let you in on a little secret that really works for me in the kitchen? Here it is -
My husband tends to shove me (lovingly, of course) out of the way whenever I am shredding cheese. He does it much faster and easier than I ever could, so I gladly let him.
Stop by We Are THAT Family for more Works For Me Wednesday.
Comments
20 Responses to “Chili Cheese Potato Casserole”
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June 9th, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
This looks incredible!
June 10th, 2009 @ 1:05 am
Dear Readers,
This is why I won’t be posting any hot deals tommorrow. Got plans for that casserole!
June 10th, 2009 @ 10:07 am
This looks so yummy. I’m going to have to try it.
Also, when I need a lot of cheese shredded I just use my food processor. It’s super quick and easy.
June 10th, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Sounds so good – I’m going to have to try this one!
June 10th, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I think I’m going to cut this recipe down and make it for my husband and I! Thanks so much for sharing it =)
June 10th, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
That looks fantastic!
June 10th, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
I am SO making this!
June 10th, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
I just printed this one. This kind of meal is right down our alley. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks!
June 11th, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
Looks too, too good.
June 14th, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
This looks absolutely sinful!
Oh how I love this blog!
June 15th, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
okay, so that just looks plain ole AWESOME!!!!
August 1st, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
[...] Chili Cheese Potato Casserole [...]
August 31st, 2009 @ 8:01 am
[...] – Chili Cheese Potato Casserole (August [...]
October 5th, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
[...] Chili Cheese Potatoe Casserole (never made this before, sounds [...]
October 6th, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
This looks amazing! I have some potatoes I am looking to use up and this recipe is perfect!!!
October 6th, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
I made this for dinner tonight and it was fantastic! The whole family loved it, including my son who isn’t a potato fan unless it’s mashed or in a fry. I cut the recipe in half and sooo wish I hadn’t because I would have loved to have the leftovers… THANKS!
October 26th, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
I made this tonight and it was the bomb! We ALL loved it, which is rare. Thanks for the recipe, I love your blog!
December 26th, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
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December 28th, 2009 @ 8:03 am
[...] Chili Cheese Potato Casserole [...]
January 26th, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
wooooooooooow
well done