Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
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.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
- 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
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.
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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.