If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that screams nostalgia and is super easy to throw together, this Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crispy tater tots, juicy hot dogs, and melty cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce makes every bite a perfect blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy meal, this casserole comes together fast and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas that invite everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, from the crispy tater tots to the tender, seasoned hot dogs and the rich, cheesy sauce that ties it all together perfectly.
- Frozen tater tots (32 oz): The crispy golden topping everyone will love, providing that satisfying crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds a sharp, melty goodness that makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the veggies and hot dogs, adding richness and preventing sticking.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a sweet and savory base flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Adds fresh color and a gentle crunch for contrast.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Beef hot dogs (8, sliced): The star protein of the dish, adding hearty, smoky bites throughout.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz can): Creates a creamy, cheesy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the soup mixture for smooth blending with other ingredients.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and richness that elevate the sauce.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Provides a hint of sweetness and balances the savory flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook until they soften and release their lovely aromas, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the sliced hot dogs and brown them lightly for 2 to 3 minutes. This step brings out a deep, smoky flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, sour cream, ketchup, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir these together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the casserole, enveloping every ingredient in cheesy, tangy goodness.
Step 3: Combine and Layer
Next, add the cooked hot dog and veggie mixture into the sauce and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This blend will be thick and packed with flavor, perfect for the base layer. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a hearty foundation for your tater tots.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tots and Bake
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, crunchy layer on top of the filling. Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the tater tots turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Step 5: Cheese Topping Finale
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the hot, crispy tater tots and return the casserole to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. The cheese should melt into a bubbly, gooey blanket that makes this dish absolutely drool-worthy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or diced green onions on top to bring a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, a few pickled jalapeño slices can be a game-changer.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance out the hearty, cheesy flavors. A light coleslaw can also add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mason jars or small ramekins for a fun, casual meal presentation. You can also turn leftovers into loaded tater tot bowls by reheating and topping with a fried egg or avocado slices for a brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it frozen at 375°F for about 50 to 60 minutes until bubbly and cooked through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps restore that crispy tater tot topping.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken hot dogs instead of beef?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken hot dogs work great as lighter alternatives and the casserole will still be deliciously flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this is a kid-friendly meal packed with familiar flavors. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the fun cheesy and crispy elements.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Feel free to add diced mushrooms, corn, or even some finely chopped spinach to boost the nutrition and texture.
What if I don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup?
You can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce or use a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar melted together to mimic the creamy base.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or some diced pickled jalapeños when mixing the sauce for a nice kick that complements the cheesy richness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is one of those warm, comforting dishes that instantly feels like a hug on a plate. Its perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory elements makes it a winner for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends. Once you try it, you might find it becoming a fast favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Hot Dog Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting American dish combining crispy tater tots, savory beef hot dogs, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, this casserole bakes all the flavors together into a warm, cheesy delight that’s easy to prepare and sure to please kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat & Dairy
- 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Canned & Packaged
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Hot Dogs: Stir in the sliced hot dogs and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the hot dogs are lightly browned.
- Mix Sauce and Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, sour cream, ketchup, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the cooked hot dog mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cheesy hot dog mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single layer, covering the mixture completely.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- You can swap in turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter protein option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of diced pickled jalapeños into the mixture.
