If there’s one dish that guarantees smiles around my table, it’s this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole. 💛 It’s nostalgic, hearty, and brimming with gooey cheese — the kind of comfort food that reminds you of cozy family dinners and fun movie nights.
Every bite is loaded with smoky sliced hot dogs, rich chili, tangy ketchup, and melted cheddar cheese — all baked under a crispy layer of golden tater tots. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and incredibly easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure comfort food: Classic flavors with a cheesy twist everyone loves.
- Family-friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — even the picky eaters dig in!
- Quick to prepare: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.
- Uses pantry staples: No fancy ingredients needed, just what you already have.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for make-ahead dinners or busy weeknights.
The first time I made this, my youngest took one bite, looked at me with wide eyes, and said, “This tastes like happiness!” — and just like that, it became a family favorite.
What It Tastes Like
This casserole is rich, creamy, and hearty. You get the smoky savoriness of hot dogs, the spice and warmth of chili, and the tangy sweetness from ketchup — all balanced by layers of gooey melted cheddar. The crispy tater tots on top add the perfect crunch to every cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 (15 oz) cans chili, with or without beans
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Cheese grater
- Cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine sliced hot dogs, chili, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the hot dog and chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, reaching every corner.
5. Arrange Tater Tots
Lay the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top. Try not to overlap so they get perfectly crispy.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the tater tots begin to turn golden.
7. Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and irresistibly gooey.
8. Cool & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes scooping easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
- Add pickles or sliced jalapeños for a bright, tangy contrast.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with sour cream or hot sauce before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
- Sausage or bratwurst → For a heartier flavor twist.
- Plant-based hot dogs → Great for vegetarian-friendly versions.
- Homemade chili → Adds a personal touch and more spice control.
- Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese → For extra melt and mild heat.
Pro Tips
- Grease your pan well — it makes cleanup a breeze.
- Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded blends have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Arrange tater tots neatly in rows for even crispiness and a picture-perfect top.
- Let it rest before slicing — this helps keep the layers intact.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot. Add a few extra tater tots on top for fresh crunch!
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nostalgic Roots
Tater Tot Casserole has deep Midwestern roots — a beloved classic found in vintage community cookbooks. This chili-and-hot-dog twist brings playful nostalgia to the table, blending the comforting flavors of childhood dinners with the easy convenience of today’s cooking.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 560
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 34g
Sodium: 980mg
(Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.)
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