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A comforting and crowd-pleasing slow cooker casserole featuring sliced hot dogs, chili, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy tater tot crust, perfect for busy weeknights or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package beef franks (about 8–10 hot dogs, sliced into rounds)
  • 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 4 cups chili (canned or homemade)
  • 28 oz frozen tater tots
  • cooking spray or butter for greasing
  • sour cream (optional)
  • green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice beef franks into thin rounds.
  2. Grease the crockpot insert with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. In a large bowl, gently stir sliced hot dogs with 4 cups chili.
  4. Spread half of the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the greased crockpot.
  5. Pour half of the chili-hot dog mixture over the tater tots and spread to cover.
  6. Sprinkle half (6 oz) of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the mixture and smooth.
  7. Pour the remaining chili-hot dog mixture over the cheese and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 6 oz shredded cheddar over the second layer.
  9. Top with the remaining frozen tater tots, spreading evenly.
  10. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours.
  11. Optional: Remove the lid for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to help the tots crisp.
  12. For broiled bowls: Scoop portions into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle additional cheddar, and broil 5-6 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden.
  13. For chili dog buns: Toast buns, spoon casserole into toasted buns, top with cheese, and broil briefly to melt.
  14. Optional: Top servings with sour cream and sliced green onions.

Notes

If chili is watery, drain excess juice to prevent soggy tater tots., Grease the crockpot thoroughly to avoid sticking and ease cleanup., Avoid cooking on high to prevent drying out or uneven cooking; low and slow is best., For crispier texture, remove lid near end of cooking and finish under broiler., This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble and refrigerate, then cook in the morning., Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge and freeze up to 2 months., To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave smaller portions., Adding extra toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese allows customization., Serve with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted green beans, or a fresh salad to balance richness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/best-crockpot-chili-dog-casserole-theamazingfood/