Best Crockpot Chili Dog Casserole Recipe
This Best Crockpot Chili Dog Casserole is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish combining slices of beef franks, chili, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for an easy family meal, it melds classic chili dog flavors into a layered casserole cooked low and slow in a crockpot for tender, flavorful results.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 package beef franks (about 8–10 hot dogs, sliced into rounds)
- 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 cups chili (canned or homemade)
- 28 oz tater tots (frozen, I use Ore-Ida)
For Toppings (optional):
- Sour cream (optional but recommended for serving)
- Green onions (optional, sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Grease the Crockpot: Slice the beef franks into thin rounds to increase surface area and evenly distribute flavor throughout the casserole. Grease the crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Having everything prepped makes layering quick and efficient.
- Combine Chili and Hot Dogs: In a bowl, gently mix the sliced hot dogs with the chili to distribute them evenly without breaking the hot dogs apart. This ensures every bite has both chili and hot dog flavor.
- Layer the Casserole Base: Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly across the bottom of the greased crockpot. Pour half of the chili-hot dog mixture over the tots and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a flavorful foundation layer.
- Complete the Crockpot Layers: Add the remaining chili-hot dog mixture over the first cheese layer, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining frozen tater tots. The top layer protects the casserole and creates slight crispiness during cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3.5 hours. This slow cooking melds flavors and softens the tater tots as they absorb chili and hot dog juices. Cooking can extend up to 4 hours if needed, maintaining gentle heat.
- Finish with Cheese and Broil: After cooking, transfer individual portions into oven-safe bowls, top with extra shredded cheddar, and broil on high for 5-6 minutes until melted and bubbly. Alternatively, spoon into toasted hot dog buns, top with cheese, and broil. Garnish with sour cream and sliced green onions if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use frozen tater tots directly from the freezer; no need to thaw.
- To prevent hot dogs from breaking apart, stir the chili mixture gently.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on your crockpot model and settings.
- Broiling at the end adds a lovely melted cheese crust for extra indulgence.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and green onions enhance flavor and freshness.
Keywords: chili dog casserole, crockpot casserole, slow cooker chili dogs, tater tot casserole, comfort food, family dinner
