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When it comes to comfort food, this Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Casserole with Tater Tots takes the crown. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a chili cheese dog with the crispy goodness of tater tots, creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want something hearty and satisfying. The gooey melted cheese, savory chili, and crispy tater tots make this casserole an instant crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chili (with or without beans)
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, chili, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well-mixed, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
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3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the hot dog and chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, covering it completely.
4. Add the Tater Tots
Take the frozen tater tots and arrange them in a single layer over the cheese. This will ensure they cook evenly and become crispy during baking.
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The cheese beneath them should be bubbling by now.
6. Top with More Cheese
Once the tater tots are perfectly crispy, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve while also allowing the flavors to meld together.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole with Tater Tots is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a chili cheese dog in a convenient, crowd-friendly format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.