Loaded Chili Dog Casserole

Prep Steps

• 8 hot dogs into 1/2-inch coins {do:slice}
• 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese {do:shred}
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely {do:chop}

The Chili

Option: Quick Canned Chili {id:chili.can}

Two cans of no-bean beef chili.

Open and set aside...

• 2 cans (15 oz each) beef chili, no beans

Option: Pal's-Style Chili From Scratch {id:chili.home, preptime:+5, cooktime:+30, cal:+50, protein:+2, carbs:-2, fat:+4, sodium:+290}

Smooth, saucy hot dog chili. Makes about 3 cups.

In a saucepan, combine...

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups water

Break the beef apart with your hands or a potato masher until no chunks remain, adding a splash more water if needed. Stir in...

• 8 oz tomato paste
• 1 tbsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Bring to a boil, then simmer until thick and saucy, about 30 minutes.

Sear & Layer

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat...

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Add and sear until blistered and browned, 3–4 minutes...

• 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch coins

Stir in the chili until evenly mixed, then sprinkle with...

• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Arrange in a single, tightly packed layer over the cheese...

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen tater tots

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered until the tots are crisp and the chili is bubbling at the edges, 25–30 minutes.

The Cheese Sauce

While the casserole bakes, melt in a small saucepan over medium heat...

• 2 tbsp butter

Whisk in and cook 1 minute, until bubbling...

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Gradually whisk in until smooth and warm...

• 1 cup whole milk

Reduce the heat to low and stir in until melted and silky...

• 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp pickle juice (optional)
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Finish & Garnish

Drizzle the cheese sauce evenly over the hot tots, then add a fine drizzle of...

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (optional)

Garnish with...

• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

Serve straight from the skillet.