This Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole layers seasoned ground beef chili with bite-sized hot dog pieces under a blanket of melted cheddar and crispy tater tots—an irresistible, one-dish dinner that’s nostalgic, hearty, and simple.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
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Classic comfort food flavors in easy, layered casserole form
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Hearty meat sauce meets melty cheddar and golden tater tot crunch
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Family-friendly dinner—crowd-pleasing and satisfying
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Minimal prep and cleanup for a weeknight win
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Customizable: swap cheese, spice level, or add veggies as you like
Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
Imagine the ultimate invitation to cozy night dinners on a cool evening. A bubbling base of ground beef chili, infused with the sweetness of tomato sauce and the satisfying texture of chili beans, gets studded with playful, bite-sized hot dog pieces that add fun flavor without complexity. Resting above it all is a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, soon to be crowned by a grid of golden tater tots that transform into crispy comfort covering once baked.
Building this casserole is effortless: brown the beef until just cooked, stir in chili beans, tomato sauce, spices, and hot dog bites. Scoop that hearty mixture into a greased baking dish, scatter onions, and top with two cups of shredded cheddar. The tater tots make the dish feel nostalgic, while also providing beautiful structure and crunch. A final sprinkle of cheese melts atop the crispy tots, uniting the textures and flavors into a tempting family-style masterpiece.
This casserole hits all the lunch or dinner satisfying notes: rich meatiness, cheesy indulgence, playfulness from the hot dogs, and textural contrast from the tater tots. It reminds us of childhood favorites—but elevated in convenience and cooperative flavors. Every forkful offers chili-coated beef, sharp cheddar ribbons, and the irresistible tater tot crunch that frames the dish.
Adaptable and forgiving, the recipe welcomes tweaks: kick up the heat with extra chili powder or jalapeños, stir in veggies like bell peppers or corn in the chili base, or try turkey or plant-based ground “meat” for lighter options. It also reheats beautifully and makes terrific leftovers.
Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, game-night gatherings, or casual dinner parties, this casserole brings comfort in a pan—great for feeding picky eaters and slower crowds alike. It’s familiar, flavorful, fuss-free, and flexibly festive in its simplicity.
SERVINGS & TIME
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Servings: 8 hearty portions
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 30 minutes for the initial layer + 3–5 minutes for cheese melt
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Total Time: ~50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 (15 oz) can chili beans
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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4 hot dogs, cut into bite-sized pieces (choose beef or turkey hot dogs if needed)
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2 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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½ cup chopped onion
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3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
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1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat oven to 350 °F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
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Stir in chili beans, tomato sauce, hot dog pieces, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined and heated.
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Spread chili mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped onion evenly over the top, then cover with 2 cups of shredded cheddar.
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Arrange tater tots in an even single layer across the cheese (you may not need the entire bag).
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Bake for 30 minutes, until tater tots are firm and beginning to brown.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
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Let stand a few minutes before serving to set slightly.
TIPS
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For extra flavor, caramelize onions before layering them in the casserole.
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Make it lighter with ground turkey or plant-based beef alternative.
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For added veggies, stir corn, diced bell peppers, or black beans into the chili layer.
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Allow the casserole to rest a bit after baking—it slices cleaner and holds shape better.
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Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore tater tot crispiness.
Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 15 oz can chili beans
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 hot dogs cut into bite-sized pieces (choose beef or turkey hot dogs if needed)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 32 oz package frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no pink remains; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili beans, tomato sauce, hot dog pieces, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined and heated.
- Spread chili mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped onion evenly over the top, then cover with 2 cups of shredded cheddar.
- Arrange tater tots in an even single layer across the cheese (you may not need the entire bag).
- Bake for 30 minutes, until tater tots are firm and beginning to brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Let stand a few minutes before serving to set slightly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, caramelize onions before layering them in the casserole.
- Make it lighter with ground turkey or plant-based beef alternative.
- For added veggies, stir corn, diced bell peppers, or black beans into the chili layer.
- Allow the casserole to rest a bit after baking—it slices cleaner and holds shape better.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore tater tot crispiness.
