The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole
Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13 Baking Dish Or a cast iron skillet large enough to fit the same volume (12 Cups)
- A Basting Brush is Helpful
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Hot Dogs Sliced Into Rounds
- 2 Lbs Frozen Tater Tots
- 1 15 Oz. Can Chili
- 1 10.75 Oz. Can Condensed Cheddar Soup Or a 15 Oz. Can of Nacho Cheese
- 1 10.75 Oz. Can Cream of Chicken Soup Or Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Large White or Yellow Onion Diced
- 8 Oz. Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, Grated Roughly 2 Cups
- Up To 1/2 C Mustard and/or Ketchup To Taste (Optional)
- 4 Tbsp Melted Butter or Oil You can also use cooking spray
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Add 1 Tbsp of butter/oil to a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. If using cooking spray, spray a little bit in the pan. Note: if you are using a large cast iron skillet in place of the 9×13 baking dish, use the skillet here.4 Tbsp Melted Butter or Oil
- Add the hot dog rounds and sauté for 1-2 minutes to let them get some color.2 Lbs Hot Dogs
- Add the diced onion to the same pan and sauté another 2-3 minutes. Season with a heavy pinch of salt and pepper.Note: If you like raw onion on your chili dogs, reserve a handful for the end of cooking.1 Large White or Yellow Onion, Salt and Pepper to Taste
- If using the baking dish, grease it now, with a thin layer of butter, oil or cooking spray.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Taste the hotdogs and onions for salt and pepper.
- If using the baking dish, add the hotdog/onion mixture to the dish. Spread evenly across the bottom. If using the cast iron skillet, simply leave the mixture in the skillet.
- If you are using (optional) mustard and/or ketchup, drizzle it over the onions and hot dogs. Note: you can also serve the mustard ketchup on the side.Up To 1/2 C Mustard and/or Ketchup
- Layer the chili evenly over the top.1 15 Oz. Can Chili
- Layer the soups (and nacho cheese, if you are using it) over the top of the chili. I usually spoon them evenly over the top of the chili and them spread them with the spoon to fill in the gaps. They don't need to be mixed perfectly.1 10.75 Oz. Can Condensed Cheddar Soup, 1 10.75 Oz. Can Cream of Chicken Soup
- Top the soups evenly with the grated cheese, reserving a handful for the end of cooking.8 Oz. Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, Grated
- Layer the tater tots over all of this in whatever design you like.2 Lbs Frozen Tater Tots
- Brush the remaining butter/oil over the tots to help them brown up as they bake. You can also drizzle the butter/oil over them, or toss them in the butter/oil before layering. If you have cooking spray, you can spray them with that instead of the butter/oil.
- Bake this dish at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, until the tots are crispy, the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, if desired. Top with the reserved onions and cheese.
- Let the hotdish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish – A Comfort Classic That Hits the Spot
Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a cozy blanket. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor – exactly what you need after a long day. Sautéed hot dogs and onions form the savory base, topped with chili, creamy soup, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. Bake it to golden perfection, and you’ve got a hotdish that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Hotdish has been a staple in the Midwest since the early 1900s. Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish takes the essence of a classic ballpark chili dog and transforms it into a one-pan wonder. The combination of creamy soup and melted nacho cheese adds richness, while the tater tots on top bring a crispy contrast that ties it all together. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Tips and Variations for the Best Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish
One of the best things about this hotdish is how easy it is to customize. Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Swap it for cream of mushroom; or even cheddar cheese soup for extra cheesiness. If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños with the hot dogs. You can also use vegetarian hot dogs and plant-based chili if you’re looking for a meatless option.
For an easy clean-up, cook and bake the hotdish in the same oven-safe skillet. This keeps things simple and cuts down on dishes – always a win in my book!
Craving more hotdish goodness? Try my Jalapeño Cheeseburger Hotdish for a spicy twist on a classic or check out my ode to the original hotdish – a recipe inspired by the first versions served in the early 1900s.
Hungry for More Hot Dogs?
If you can’t get enough of hot dogs, you have to try my Huevos con Salchicha – a Mexican-style breakfast of eggs and sausage. It’s easy, flavorful, and a great way to start your day.
Chili Cheese Dog Hotdish is more than just comfort food – it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to make something magical. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite!
Some text generated/edited with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/