Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole with Tater Tots
This Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole with Tater Tots is the ultimate comfort food dish perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. A savory blend of chili, sliced hot dogs, and a crunchy layer of golden-brown tater tots all topped off with melted cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this hearty casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your friends and family and enjoy this delicious dish together!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili
1 (24-ounce can)
Hot Dogs
8 (Sliced into bite-sized pieces)
Frozen Tater Tots
1 (32-ounce package)
Cheddar Cheese
8 (Ounces, shredded)
Salt
to taste (Season as desired)
Pepper
to taste (Season as desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Spread the chili evenly in a 9" x 13" baking dish. If the chili does not adequately cover the bottom of the dish, mix in 1/4 cup of ketchup to enhance the flavor and help it cover.
3
Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces, then fold them into the chili mixture, ensuring each piece is coated with chili sauce to prevent burning during baking.
4
Carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chili and hot dog mixture, making sure they don't overlap for even cooking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
6
Once they are golden, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C).
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots.
9
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slightly browned surface.
10
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole with Tater Tots?
It is a hearty comfort food dish made with a base of chili and hot dogs, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A 9" x 13" baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How many hot dogs are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 hot dogs.
What type of chili should I use?
The recipe uses one 24-ounce can of chili.
What can I do if the chili doesn't fully cover the bottom of the pan?
You can mix in 1/4 cup of ketchup to help the chili cover the dish and enhance the flavor.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) for the first stage of baking.
How should I slice the hot dogs?
Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces before folding them into the chili.
Why should I coat the hot dog pieces in chili sauce?
Coating the pieces ensures they stay moist and prevents them from burning during the baking process.
Do I need to thaw the tater tots before baking?
No, the recipe uses frozen tater tots directly from the package.
How should the tater tots be arranged on the casserole?
Arrange them in a single layer without overlapping to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
How long do the tater tots bake at 450°F?
Bake them for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
At what point should I reduce the oven temperature?
Reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) after the tater tots are golden brown and before adding the cheese.
When do I add the cheese to the casserole?
Add the cheese after the initial 30-minute bake once the tater tots are crispy.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole bake after adding the cheese?
Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should I season the casserole?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to taste before adding the cheese.
What is the weight of the tater tot package used?
The recipe uses a 32-ounce package of frozen tater tots.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food dish perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
How should the cheese look when the dish is finished?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and have a slightly browned surface.
Do I need to let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chili, hot dogs, frozen tater tots, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
Can I use different seasonings?
The recipe specifies salt and pepper, but you can season as desired.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The exact number of servings is not specified, but it uses a 9x13 dish which typically serves 6-8 people.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
What makes the tater tots golden and crispy?
Baking them at a high temperature of 450°F in a single layer makes them crispy.
Does this dish contain fiber information?
Nutritional information such as fiber, calories, and fat is not provided in the source data.
What is the primary protein source in this casserole?
The primary proteins are the hot dogs and the meat found in the chili.
Can this be served to kids?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly recipe that is popular with both children and adults.
Why is the temperature lowered for the final bake?
The temperature is lowered to 350°F to melt the cheese gently without over-browning it or burning the tater tots.