2 pounds krinkle cut french fries or tater tots
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. Pack the frozen potatoes tightly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. This needs to be a pan that is not too deep or the frozen potatoes will have a hard time cooking thoroughly.
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. Pour cheese mixture over top of potatoes... in case potato mxiture separates slightly while freezing. Then layer meat mixture evenly over top.
4. Cover with foil; freeze at this point if not cooking right away.
To serve: Defrost completely in the refrigerator. Uncover and bake at 350° (if in a dark metal or glass pan) or 450° (if in a reflective aluminum pan) for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and it is cooked through.
****You could even top with some extra grated cheese last few minutes of baking if you wish. If you are really in the mood to add some extra nutrition.... dice up some scallions or yellow onions, chop some tomatoes, and maybe even a dollop of sour cream to top each individual portion. It's a way for each family member to personalize their dish.
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6 Comments about this Meal:
This sounds delicious!
I would love a little more instruction if you have it :)
Do you just layer the three things in the pan and freeze? Or, mix it all together?
Yum!
This is a meal that I myself have not made, but a friend sent it to me a few years ago. She has made it with her meal group. I tried to get better instructions. I added some additional directions. I would highly recommend using the tater tots or krinkle cut fries as cooked potatoes usually turn grainy and mushy. It should be fine with that substitute.
Maggie
Thanks so much!
And thanks for the potato tip...I had no idea
Ok sorry to pester you...
I'm just still not totally clear...
Do I just layer the meat mixture on top of the potatoes, and then layer the cheesy mixture on top of that?
Or, do I mix the cheesy stuff into the meat mixture?
:D Thank you! I'm feeling like the baby is eating my cooking brain!
This one has potential! The cooking time needs adjusting (cook it way longer) to let the fries cook through, but not burn the toppings! Ours was a bit crispy on top and burnt, but fries were still cold in spots. I like that it's something new and different from our norm and my kids were excited for it since they love chili dogs! We sort of dished it up, microwaved a plate at a time, and ate it as is!
@Amanda XOX I think the reason the cooking on this wasn't totally right is because the pan was too deep. I think it was like a 9inch round pan that was like 3 inches deep. I left mine covered when I cooked it and that helped keep the top from getting crunchy... but... the inside was still partially frozen. This definitely should be cooked in a 9x13 pan.
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