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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 Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8

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.