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Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

The Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish combining juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, crispy tater tots, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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

  • 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.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1050mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Cheesy Hot Dog Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole with Hot Dogs, Comfort Food Casserole Recipe