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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- 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.
- Evenly distribute the spicy hot dog mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Generously scatter 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the hot dog mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a neat, overlapping pattern to completely cover the cheese layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tater tots begin to turn golden and crispy.
- 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.
- 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