Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 hot dogs, cut into 1/2-inch slices; 2 (15-ounce) cans chili (with or without beans); 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than the Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. This irresistible combination of juicy hot dogs, savory chili, crispy tater tots, and gooey melted cheese is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, provide tips to customize it to your liking, and explore the nutritional benefits, FAQs, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to create this comforting and indulgent dish.

What is a Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole?

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a rich and flavorful baked dish featuring layers of sliced hot dogs, chili, and tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a twist on classic comfort foods that combines the savory taste of hot dogs with the satisfying crunch of tater tots and the creaminess of melted cheese. This casserole is a favorite among kids and adults alike because it offers everything you need for a hearty meal in one dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This casserole takes just a few minutes to prepare and requires minimal kitchen skills.
Family-Friendly: The combination of hot dogs and tater tots makes it an instant hit with kids.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole:

Hot Dogs: The star of the show, hot dogs bring that signature savory flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand or substitute them with veggie dogs for a vegetarian twist.

Chili: Use canned chili with or without beans, depending on your preference. This adds heartiness and a rich, comforting flavor to the casserole.
Ketchup and Worcestershire Sauce: These add sweetness and depth to the chili mixture.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a touch of sharpness and flavor complexity.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This optional ingredient adds a subtle heat, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Cheddar Cheese: The cheese is what makes this dish truly indulgent. Opt for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor or use a milder cheese if that’s your preference.
Tater Tots: Crispy tater tots provide the perfect crunchy topping for this casserole.

Ingredient List

8 hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 (15-ounce) cans chili (with or without beans)
3/4 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Directions: How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili and Hot Dog Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the sliced hot dogs, chili, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. This flavorful mixture forms the base of the casserole. Make sure to mix everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Layer in the Baking Pan

Pour the chili and hot dog mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Once the mixture is evenly spread, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layer of cheese will melt into the chili as it bakes, adding a creamy, rich flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Top with Tater Tots

Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Be sure to cover the entire surface for that crunchy, golden topping we all love.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the tater tots to get crispy and the cheese to melt into the chili mixture. After 30 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The combination of cheesy, crispy, and savory flavors makes this a truly satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Notes and Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Switch It Up: Feel free to customize this dish by using different types of cheese, adding jalapeños for extra heat, or swapping out the hot dogs for sausage or ground beef.

Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian options and use vegetarian chili to make this casserole meat-free.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prep. Assemble the dish and freeze it unbaked. When you’re ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole may be rich and indulgent, but it can also be part of a balanced diet. Below is a breakdown of the nutritional value for one serving:

Nutrition Details

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 450

Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 29g

Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 1050mg

Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% DV

Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 10% DV

While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, you can make it lighter by using turkey hot dogs, reduced-fat cheese, or low-sodium chili. For those looking to balance the meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

FAQs

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the same baking instructions. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to mix things up. Each type of cheese will give the dish a slightly different flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quick and easy meal.

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it as directed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat it, bake straight from the freezer, adding 20-30 minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly dish that checks all the boxes for a delicious comfort meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a meal that’s sure to please, this casserole will do the trick. With its crisp tater tots, melted cheese, and savory hot dogs, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Try it out today and watch it disappear from the dinner table in no time!

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