Northrup Special
A hearty baked dish featuring seasoned potatoes topped with chili, onions, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for comfort food lovers and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the cubed potatoes until done.
- Place the fried potatoes in the bottom of a 2 to 3-inch sided baking pan.
- Lightly salt the potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Open the cans of chili and pour over the potatoes in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle chopped onions and grated Cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Place the baking pan in the oven and bake until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding cooked ground beef or turkey to the chili. You can also use sweet potatoes for a different flavor. If you want a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of chili, like vegetarian or spicy varieties, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness. For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado. It pairs beautifully with Quick Dump Cake for dessert, creating a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For best results, add a splash of water to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Northrup Special contains roughly 659 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance by layering the potatoes and chili, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What type of chili should I use?
You can use any type of canned chili you prefer—vegetarian, beef, or turkey chili all work well. Choose a chili with flavors you enjoy, or even try a spicy version if you like some heat.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).