My mom could turn a fridge raid into a full meal. That’s how this mini chili cheese bacon casserole began—just leftover chili, cooked pasta, and whatever cheese we had. It wasn’t fancy, but it always felt like something special.
Now I make it in muffin tins with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a crunchy chip topping that bakes up golden and gooey. It’s fast, filling, and a family favorite.
We pair it with simple southwest cucumber salad when we want balance, or cheesy garlic chicken wraps for full comfort.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole Recipe Guide
Ingredients Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole
- 3 cups cooked pasta or frozen tater tots
- 1½ cups prepared chili (no beans)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed cheese-flavored chips or Fritos
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or small ramekins with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Prep your base
If you’re using tater tots, bake them halfway per package directions. If you’re going with pasta, cook it al dente and drain it well.
Step 3: Layer the mini casseroles
Add a layer of tater tots or pasta into each muffin cup. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of chili on top of each one.
Step 4: Add bacon and cheese
Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Crunchy topping time
Add crushed cheese-flavored chips or Fritos to each cup for that salty crunch.
Step 6: Bake and cool
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and tops are golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serve these up with simple southwest cucumber salad for something fresh, or go all-in with simple cheesy garlic chicken wraps on the side.
What Makes This Casserole So Addictive
Crispy top, cheesy center
There’s something about this mini chili cheese bacon casserole that just hits right. The base is soft and savory, while the top gets golden and crunchy from crushed chips and melted cheddar. It’s the contrast of textures that makes it addictive.
Bold flavor, bite by bite
Every cup is loaded with chili, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon. Baked in muffin tins, they hold their shape but still melt in your mouth. If you love delicious lasagna baked potato recipe or simple cheesy garlic chicken wraps, you’ll crave these too.
This mini chili cheese bacon casserole proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole Variations
Quick Ingredient Swaps
No pasta? Use cooked rice or quinoa.
No chili on hand? Try leftover sloppy joe mix or taco meat.
No bacon? Diced ham or sausage work just as well.
Craving a crunch but no chips? Use crushed crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Simple Add-Ons
Mix in cooked corn or black beans for extra texture.
Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Add a dollop of sour cream or ranch drizzle after baking.
Make ahead and freeze—just bake straight from frozen, adding the chips last minute.
Serving and Storing Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole
How to Serve It
These mini chili cheese bacon casseroles are great on their own, but they really shine with something fresh on the side. Try them with a crisp simple southwest cucumber salad or go full comfort with simple cheesy garlic chicken wraps. They’re also perfect for party platters, lunchboxes, or game-day spreads.
How to Store It
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F to keep that crispy top. You can also freeze them—just skip the chip topping until you’re ready to bake.
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People Also Ask
What is a mini chili cheese bacon casserole?
It’s a handheld version of the classic casserole—baked in muffin tins using pasta or tater tots, chili, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, all finished with a crunchy topping.
Can I use pasta instead of tater tots in mini casseroles?
Absolutely. Both work great—pasta gives it a softer texture, while tater tots bring a bit more crisp on the bottom.
How do I prevent mini casseroles from sticking to the pan?
Use nonstick spray or a little butter to coat the muffin tin or ramekins. Let them cool slightly before removing with a small spatula.
Can you freeze mini chili cheese bacon casseroles for later?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them unbaked—just add the chip topping right before baking for best texture.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about pulling these mini chili cheese bacon casseroles from the oven—gooey cheese, crispy edges, and that savory chili smell filling the kitchen. They’re fast, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making lunch for the week, this recipe gives you all the comfort of a full casserole in a fraction of the time.
Print
Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole – Easy, Crispy, Cheesy Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini casseroles 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mini chili cheese bacon casserole is a bite-sized, oven-baked comfort food made with chili, cheese, bacon, and a crunchy topping—perfect for parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked pasta or frozen tater tots
1½ cups prepared chili (no beans)
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed cheese-flavored chips or Fritos
Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
2. If using tater tots, bake them halfway; if using pasta, cook until al dente and drain.
3. Divide tater tots or pasta evenly among muffin cups and spoon 2–3 tbsp of chili over each.
4. Top each cup with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Add a spoonful of crushed chips or Fritos on each mini casserole.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
7. Cool slightly before removing with a spatula and serve warm.
Notes
Try with different meats like sausage or ham.
Freeze unbaked and add chips just before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini casserole
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: mini chili cheese bacon casserole, easy chili casserole, baked mini casseroles
