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Warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Chili Dog Casserole brings together all the flavors of your favorite chili dog in a family-friendly baked dish—perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Purse-string friendly: uses pantry staples and budget-friendly hot dogs
- One-dish wonder: minimal cleanup, more couch time
- Ready in under an hour: quick comfort food fix
- Crowd-pleaser: kids and grown-ups alike go back for seconds
- Adaptable: gluten-free or veggie tweaks fit everyone
- Make-ahead magic: assemble early, bake when guests arrive
- Cozy vibes: like a warm blanket on chilly evenings
- Game-day star: scores big at tailgates and potlucks
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey for a lighter spin)
- 1 (15-oz) can chili with beans (your favorite brand, like Hormel or Amy’s)
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized rounds (all-beef franks recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or sweet onion works)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth—optional but tasty)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ tsp chili powder (feel free to ramp up for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups frozen tater tots (for the ultimate baked topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step gets the casserole off to a smooth start—no sticking! - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion. Break the meat into crumbles and stir until the onion is soft and the beef is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. - Build the Chili Base
Add garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chili with beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes—this melds flavors beautifully. - Layer the Casserole
Spoon half of the chili-dog mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the sliced hot dogs on top, then layer half of the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the remaining chili mixture, hot dogs, and cheese. - Top with Tater Tots
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. They’ll bake into a golden, crispy blanket that’s part potato, part fun! - Bake & Broil
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For an extra-crispy top, switch to broil for the final 2–3 minutes—keep a close eye to avoid burning. - Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Tip: If your oven runs hot, lower the temperature by 25°F and bake a few extra minutes—no need for charred tots!
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 6–8 (great for hungry families or leftovers!)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Variations
• Veggie-packed: swap ground beef for a plant-based crumble and add a handful of frozen corn.
• Spicy kick: stir in sliced jalapeños or swap mild chili for a hotter variety.
• Cheesy twist: layer pepper jack or Monterrey Jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Gluten-free: use gluten-free hot dogs and ensure your chili’s labeled GF.
• Breakfast bake: top with scrambled eggs and chopped bacon for weekend brunch.
• Taco flair: sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap; keeps 3–4 days.
Freezer: Place in an airtight container; freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in fridge if frozen. Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes or rewarm the whole dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh chili instead of canned?
A: Absolutely—you can swap in about 2 cups of homemade chili; just adjust seasonings as needed.
Q: My tater tots get soggy—what went wrong?
A: Make sure your tots are straight from the freezer to the oven and avoid covering the dish while baking.
Q: Can I skip the tater tots?
A: Sure—sub in crushed tortilla chips, hash browns, or even sliced potatoes for a twist.
Q: How spicy is this casserole?
A: It’s mild by default. Add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you like more heat.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-safe?
A: Yes! Freeze before baking and thaw overnight; it bakes beautifully from chilled.
Q: Can children help make this?
A: Definitely. Kids can sprinkle cheese, arrange tots, or mix ingredients under supervision.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: A crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or coleslaw balances the rich, cheesy casserole.
Q: Any beverage pairing tips?
A: A cold beer, sparkling soda, or a tangy lemonade complements the chili dog flavors nicely.
Conclusion
With its cheesy layers, savory chili, and that irresistible tater tot topping, this Chili Dog Casserole turns ordinary ingredients into a cozy family meal. Give it a whirl on your next busy night or game-day gathering—you’ll see why everyone’s talking about this fun, comfort food favorite! Let me know how yours turns out and don’t hesitate to explore my other baked-dish recipes for more tasty ideas.
Chili Dog Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can chili with beans
- 8 hot dogs sliced into bite-sized rounds
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies drained
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder adjust for heat
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- fresh parsley or green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, chili with beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Alternate layers of chili mixture, hot dogs, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Cover the casserole with a layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil for a crispy top.
- Let the casserole rest, then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
