Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. Spread 3/4 cup frozen tater tots on a small rimmed baking sheet or heat a small skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tsp vegetable oil. If baking: bake tots 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. If pan-frying: cook 7–9 minutes, stirring/turning occasionally until crisp and browned. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Make Quick Chili

Brown beef

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 oz ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, about 2–3 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1/4 tsp in the pan for flavor.

Soften aromatics

Add 1 tbsp finely diced onion and 1/2 tsp minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook 1–1.5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently so garlic doesn't burn.

Simmer chili

Stir in 3 tbsp tomato sauce and 2 tbsp beef broth, then add 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/8 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/8 tsp salt, and a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened to a spoonable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or chili powder if needed.

Cook Hot Dog & Toast Bun

Cook hot dog

Choose your preferred method: grill over medium heat 3–5 minutes turning occasionally until warmed and slightly charred; or pan-sear in the same skillet over medium for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides; or poach in simmering water 3–4 minutes. Ensure the hot dog is heated through.

Toast bun (optional)

Spread 1/2 tsp butter on the inside of the bun and toast face-down in a dry skillet over medium heat 30–45 seconds until lightly browned, or toast in oven briefly.

Assemble Chili Tot Dog (Half)

Place the toasted bun on a plate. Spread 1 tsp yellow mustard along the bottom of the bun.

Place the cooked hot dog into the bun.

Spoon the hot meat chili over the hot dog, using most of the chili but leaving a little for presentation if desired.

Pile the hot, crispy tater tots on top of the chili along the center of the hot dog so they stay warm and add texture.

Sprinkle 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese over the tots so it melts from the residual heat. Add 1 tbsp diced yellow onion and 1 tsp pickled jalapeños if using.

Serve immediately while hot. Provide napkins — this is a loaded, handheld item.