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This chili cheese dog tater tot casserole takes everything you love about ballpark chili dogs and transforms them into a scoopable, shareable dish that feeds a hungry crowd without the mess of handheld food. Seasoned ground beef chili loaded with chopped hot dogs, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and hearty beans gets topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and a crown of crispy tater tots that bake until golden and irresistible. It captures all those classic American flavors in a format that works equally well for game day parties or casual family dinners.
I created this recipe one football Sunday when I had a houseful of guests and realized I hadn't planned anything. Rummaging through my freezer and pantry, I found tater tots, canned beans, and ground beef. Now this "beautiful disaster" of a dish appears at every Super Bowl party and March Madness weekend I host. Even my brother-in-law, who usually orders pizza later, asks for seconds.
Master Your Ingredients
- Ground beef: One pound (80% lean). Provides the meaty foundation for the chili layer.
- Hot dogs: Four franks, chopped into bite-sized rounds. All-beef franks offer the best flavor.
- Chili beans: One standard can (do not drain). The seasoned sauce adds essential moisture and flavor.
- Rotel tomatoes: One 10-ounce can, drained. Diced tomatoes and green chilies add a gentle Tex-Mex kick.
- Colby Jack cheese: One cup, shredded. Melts beautifully into gooey, stretchy strands.
- Crispy crowns: These disc-shaped tater tots provide more surface area for maximum crunch.
- Tomato paste: Three tablespoons to thicken the chili and add a concentrated tomato depth.
- Spices: A blend of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder for an authentic simmered flavor.
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Creating the Ultimate Casserole
- Browning The Meat:
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains.
- Draining and Aromatics:
- Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmering the Chili:
- Add chopped hot dogs, drained Rotel, chili beans with liquid, and tomato paste. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Cheesy Layering:
- Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly across the chili, reaching all the way to the edges of the skillet.
- Arranging the Topping:
- Layer the crispy crowns over the cheese in a single, overlapping layer. Start from the edges and work toward the center for full coverage.
- Baking to Perfection:
- Bake uncovered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. The chili should be bubbling and the tater tots should be golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for the final 2-3 minutes.
- Finishing:
- Let rest for 3 minutes before topping with sliced green onions and serving directly from the skillet.
Creative Variations
Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version, or use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick. For a unique breakfast twist, serve a scoop topped with a fried egg. If you prefer a smokier flavor, use sliced smoked sausages instead of traditional hot dogs.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While the microwave is fast, reheating in a 375-degree oven for 15 minutes is the best way to restore the crunch to the tater tot topping.
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This chili cheese dog tater tot casserole is proof that simple ingredients can combine into something truly exciting. Whether it's a hectic weeknight or a high-stakes game day, this dish delivers nostalgic, cheesy satisfaction every single time. It’s a permanent fixture on my party menu for a reason!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a baking dish instead of a skillet?
- Yes! Just cook the chili mixture in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish before adding the cheese and tater tots.
- → Can I use turkey hot dogs or veggie dogs?
- Absolutely! Any type of hot dog or sausage you like will work great in this recipe.
- → What are crispy crowns?
- Crispy crowns are just a brand name for tater tots. You can use any brand of frozen tater tots or potato rounds you have.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can make the chili base ahead and refrigerate it, then top with cheese and tater tots right before baking. Don't add the tater tots until you're ready to bake or they'll get soggy.
- → How do I make the tater tots extra crispy?
- After baking for 25 minutes, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch them closely so they don't burn.
- → What should I serve with this?
- This is pretty hearty on its own! A simple side salad, corn chips, or pickles would be great additions. Sour cream is also a nice topping.