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
Scale
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.
