1-First: preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. For more tips on baking basics, you might enjoy exploring our cheesecake lemon bars, which share similar prep techniques.

2-Combining the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, 2 (15-ounce) cans of chili, 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 medium finely chopped onion, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, creating a flavorful base that ties the dish together.

3-Evenly spread: the mixture into the prepared baking dish to ensure every bite is packed with goodness. This layering technique is what makes the casserole so hearty and satisfying.

4-Adding Layers and Baking: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture for a gooey middle layer. Then, arrange the 1 (28-ounce) bag of frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese to achieve that perfect crunch.

5-Bake: for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots begin to crisp, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas. Remove from the oven, add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving to lock in those flavors.