Chili Cheese Tater Tot Hot Dog Casserole

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Chili Cheese Tater Tot Hot Dog Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup!

Get ready for a fun, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings together all your comfort food favorites in one delicious dish! This Chili Cheese Tater Tot Hot Dog Casserole is the perfect mashup—savory ground beef and hot dogs simmered in a rich chili, topped with gooey melted cheese, and crowned with crispy golden tater tots. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual gathering, or game day!

This casserole is pure nostalgic bliss, combining the smoky flavor of hot dogs, the hearty spice of chili, the satisfying crunch of tater tots, and the irresistible pull of melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare and delivers big, bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

  • 6–8 beef or turkey hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans (or about 2 cups homemade chili)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness and thickness)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Equipment:

  • Large oven-safe baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Hot Dogs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Slice the hot dogs into ½-inch rounds.

  2. Cook Ground Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced small onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

  3. Simmer the Chili Base: Stir in the canned chili with beans (or homemade chili) and the optional tomato paste with the ground beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Pour the hot dog and chili-beef mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
    • Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. You can arrange them neatly or just spread them out.

  5. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

  6. Add Final Cheese & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food mashup!

Tips & Variations:

  • Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef and chili mixture, or use a can of spicy chili with beans.
  • Homemade Chili: If using homemade chili, ensure it’s thick enough for a casserole consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or add a little extra tomato paste or cornstarch slurry.
  • Cheese Blend: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Boost: Stir in a can of drained corn or black beans (in addition to the chili beans) into the meat mixture for added vegetables and texture.
  • Garnish: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili-beef-hot dog base and assemble the casserole (without the tater tots) a day in advance. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots and cheese just before baking.

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