Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole combines two classic comfort foods—hot dogs and tater tots—into a hearty, cheesy, and delicious casserole that’s sure to please the whole family. With layers of gooey cheese, savory chili, and crispy tater tots, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheese. This casserole brings all those flavors together in a single dish, topped with crispy tater tots for an extra crunchy texture. It’s a fun and kid-friendly meal that’s also sure to satisfy the grown-ups at the table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples and minimal prep work.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Hot Dogs: Hot dogs are a nostalgic favorite for many, and they add a savory, meaty element to this casserole. Cut them into bite-sized slices for easy eating. You can use any type of hot dog you prefer, from classic beef franks to turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option.
• Chili: The base of this casserole is made with canned chili, which adds a rich, hearty flavor. You can choose chili with or without beans, depending on your preference. The chili adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the hot dogs and ties all the ingredients together.
• Ketchup: A little bit of ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the chili and cheese. It also enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making it even more kid-friendly.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami flavor to the casserole, adding complexity to the savory elements. It also enhances the overall depth of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a mild, sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients. It adds a touch of freshness to the casserole and complements the richness of the cheese and chili.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little bit of heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. If you prefer a milder casserole, you can omit the red pepper flakes or adjust the amount to your liking.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the star of this casserole, providing that irresistible gooeyness that ties everything together. You’ll layer the cheese between the hot dog and chili mixture and the tater tots, and then finish with a final cheesy topping for maximum flavor.
• Tater Tots: The crispy tater tots are the perfect topping for this casserole, adding texture and crunch to every bite. As they bake, they turn golden brown and crisp, contrasting beautifully with the soft and cheesy filling underneath.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prepare the Hot Dog Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, canned chili, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture forms the base of your casserole, bringing together all those classic flavors in one dish.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hot dog and chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot dog mixture. The cheese will melt into the chili as it bakes, creating a deliciously cheesy layer.
4. Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. The tater tots will crisp up as they bake, adding a crunchy texture to the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole with the tater tots for even coverage.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy by this point. After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. This final layer of cheese adds even more gooeyness and ensures every bite is extra cheesy.
7. Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheesy, chili-filled casserole can be served as is, or you can add a side salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

• Customize Your Casserole: This recipe is highly customizable. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the hot dog and chili mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey jack for a milder option.
• Make It Spicier: If you love a little heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped jalapeños to the hot dog mixture. You can also use a spicier chili or top the casserole with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For an extra crunchy finish, you can sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions over the top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. This adds another layer of texture and flavor to the dish.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Consider serving this casserole with dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch dressing, sour cream, or even extra ketchup. The creamy and tangy sauces pair wonderfully with the crispy tater tots and cheesy filling.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the tater tots, then cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the tater tots, and bake as directed.

Variations to Try

• Bacon Lovers’ Casserole: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the hot dog mixture for a smoky, savory twist. The bacon adds an extra layer of richness that pairs perfectly with the cheese and chili.
• Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: For a more classic chili cheese dog experience, top the casserole with sliced jalapeños, diced onions, and a drizzle of mustard before baking. This variation is perfect for fans of loaded chili dogs.
• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking for a meatless option, you can easily swap the hot dogs for vegetarian or vegan hot dog alternatives. Use vegetarian chili and dairy-free cheese to create a delicious vegetarian or vegan version of this casserole.
• Breakfast Casserole: For a breakfast-inspired version, replace the hot dogs with cooked breakfast sausage, and swap the chili for a sausage gravy. Top with scrambled eggs before adding the tater tots and baking for a hearty breakfast casserole that’s perfect for brunch.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of hot dogs, chili, and cheese with the crispy goodness of tater tots. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. With its customizable ingredients and endless possibilities, this casserole is a versatile dish that you can make your own. Serve it for dinner, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a game-day snack—no matter how you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!