Irresistible Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor and comfort.

This hearty cheesy hot dog tater tot casserole recipe delivers the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.

Layers of crispy tater tots, savory hot dogs, and melted cheese create a nostalgic dish that kids and adults adore.

The combination brings together classic comfort food ingredients in one irresistible baking dish.

Simple pantry staples transform into a mouthwatering main course that comes together in under an hour.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising a golden, crispy top that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to experience a dinner that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary family feast.

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole: Family Favorite

• This casserole brings together beloved favorites like hot dogs and tater tots, making it an instant hit with children who love fun, comforting foods.
• With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this recipe offers a quick solution for busy families needing a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Combining cheesy goodness, hearty hot dogs, and crispy tater tots, this dish delivers a nostalgic flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults at potlucks, game nights, or casual family dinners.
• Requiring just a single baking dish and simple mixing steps, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup while maximizing delicious results.

Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• Hot Dogs: Classic protein that adds savory flavor and texture to the casserole.

• Chili, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base that complements the hot dogs.
• Onion, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle kick of spiciness.

• Tater Tots: Crispy potato base that creates a satisfying crunch.
• Cheese: Melty, gooey topping that brings creamy richness to the entire dish.

Tools For Cheesy Casserole Assembly

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining hot dogs, chili, and seasonings.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting board: For slicing hot dogs if needed.
• Sharp knife: To slice hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Layering Up A Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Grab your trusty cooking spray and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick, even coating to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Wild Flavors

• Sliced hot dogs
• Chili
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped onion
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything until they’re best friends and fully combined.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Pour your zesty hot dog mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 4: Shower with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the hot dog mixture, creating a melty, gooey foundation.

Step 5: Crowned with Tater Tots

Arrange tater tots across the cheesy surface, creating a crispy golden landscape.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 7: Final Cheese Blast

Pull out the casserole, add another rain of cheese on top, and return to the oven for a final 10-minute cheese-melting extravaganza.

Tips For Cheesy, Crispy Casserole Dinners

• Arrange tater tots in a single layer with slight spacing to ensure crispy edges and even cooking.
• Add a splash of mustard or hot sauce to the chili mixture for a more complex, tangy taste profile.
• Select high-quality hot dogs and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Adjust red pepper flakes or add jalapeños to control the heat according to personal preference.

Tater Tot Casserole Mix-Ins & Ideas

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausage or chopped vegetarian sausage, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap tater tots with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap ketchup for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tater tots and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Hot Dog Casserole With Fun

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant buffet-style spread with this casserole as the star, surrounded by fresh veggie sticks, pickles, and mustard dipping sauces.
• Cozy Family Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to balance the rich, hearty casserole and create a complete meal everyone will love.
• Game Day Delight: Pair with chilled beer or soda, set out some extra hot sauce, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish during sports events or casual gatherings with friends.
• Kid-Friendly Corner: Accompany with apple slices or carrot sticks to add a nutritious touch, making this comfort food a bit more balanced for young eaters.

Storing Hod Dog Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months; label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.

FAQs

• Are hot dogs the best protein for this casserole?

Hot dogs provide a quick, convenient, and kid-friendly protein that adds classic flavor and works perfectly with tater tots and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, cheddar is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a Mexican blend cheese for similar melting and flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like hot dogs, frozen tater tots, canned chili, and cheese, making it an economical meal for families.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.

Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy hot dog tater tot casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables across America. Layers of crispy tots, savory hot dogs, and melted cheese create a simple, hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chili (either with or without beans)
• 8 hot dogs, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create a flavor-packed mixture by combining sliced hot dogs with chili, tangy ketchup, zesty Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl.
3. Evenly distribute the spicy hot dog mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
4. Generously scatter 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the hot dog mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Arrange frozen tater tots in a neat, overlapping pattern to completely cover the cheese layer.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tater tots begin to turn golden and crispy.
7. Remove the casserole, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the layers settle and flavors meld together.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Choose lean hot dogs or turkey franks for a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1061 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg