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.

Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole–3-Layer Crunch You’ll Love

Name: Mini Chili Cheese Bacon Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 12 mini casseroles
Cuisine: American
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)

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

Scale

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