Tater Tot Chili Dog Casserole
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Tater Tot Chili Dog Casserole
This Tater Tot Chili Dog Casserole combines two comfort food favorites into one delicious meal. Juicy hot dogs are layered with hearty homemade chili, topped with crispy golden tater tots, and finished with plenty of melted cheddar cheese for a dinner everyone will love.
It's simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, tailgates, or game-day gatherings. Every bite delivers cheesy, crispy, savory goodness.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Casserole
- 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Chili
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes, then stir in the garlic. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chili evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sliced hot dogs over the chili layer.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hot dogs.
5. Arrange the Tater Tots
Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole and return it to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions and jalapeños before serving.
Expert Tips
Use a thick chili to keep the casserole from becoming watery. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer so they crisp evenly. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. For extra crispy tots, bake them for 10 minutes before assembling the casserole.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore the crispy tater tots. Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, dill pickles, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. Top individual servings with sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe Variations
Replace the hot dogs with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or kielbasa. Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the chili. Try Pepper Jack cheese for extra heat, or use chili cheese Fritos instead of tater tots for a crunchy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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