Sizzling Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chili cheese dog casserole that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together in a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty hot dogs nestled among rich, spicy chili create an irresistible combination.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, ensuring maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in a dish that screams home-cooked happiness.

Grab a fork and prepare to fall in love with every single cheesy, chili-packed bite.

Fun Takes On Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Vegetarian Chili Dog Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetarian chili, and swap hot dogs for meatless sausages or tofu dogs.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free buns or substitute with cornbread base, ensure chili seasoning is gluten-free, and check all packaged ingredients for gluten content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, incorporate taco seasoning instead of chili seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace buns with cauliflower rice base, use turkey hot dogs, choose low-carb chili, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for added texture.

What To Eat With Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Pair with Cool Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the rich, heavy casserole, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Dill Pickles: Tart, crunchy pickle spears complement the cheesy chili dogs, adding a zesty and bright element to each bite.
• Chill with Root Beer Float: Sweet, creamy root beer float perfectly matches the comfort food vibe, offering a classic American diner-style drinking companion.
• Match with Jalapeño Corn Chips: Spicy, crunchy corn chips bring extra texture and heat, enhancing the casserole's robust flavor profile and adding excitement to the meal.

How To Store Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining moisture and flavor.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Your Questions About Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• How did this recipe originate?

This dish combines the classic American love for hot dogs and chili, creating a comfort food casserole that transforms traditional ingredients into a hearty, easy-to-serve meal perfect for family gatherings.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef, offering a leaner protein option while maintaining the dish’s robust flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because it combines familiar ingredients like hot dogs and cheese in a fun, easy-to-eat format that appeals to young palates.

• What makes the base of this casserole unique?

The buttered hot dog buns create a crispy, golden foundation that absorbs the chili and beef mixture, adding an unexpected textural element to the traditional casserole.

Why Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Is The Ultimate Comfort Food

• Conquer Quick Comfort Food: This recipe delivers a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious family dinner with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Versatile Meal Prep: Perfect for busy households, game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings where hearty, satisfying dishes are always welcome and appreciated.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients, adding extra toppings like jalapeños or bacon bits, or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: One-pan preparation means fewer dishes, less time scrubbing, and more moments enjoying a delectable meal with loved ones.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the foundation of the casserole's rich base.
• Hot Dogs: Classic protein that adds traditional hot dog flavor and texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that provide richness and tangy depth to the casserole.

• Hot Dog Buns: Serve as a soft, buttery base that absorbs the chili and meat flavors.
• Canned Chili: Creates a robust and saucy layer that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Chili Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Spices that add depth and warmth to the meat mixture.
• Green Onions, Onions: Fresh ingredients that provide a crisp, sharp contrast to the rich casserole.

• Butter, Melted: Helps create a golden, crispy texture for the hot dog buns.

How To Prepare Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles and cook until completely brown with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Chili seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Step 4: Create Chili Base

Pour canned chili into the skillet with seasoned beef. Stir thoroughly to combine and create a rich mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Hot Dog Buns

Slice hot dog buns lengthwise. Brush each half generously with melted butter for a crispy golden texture.

Step 6: Layer Bun Base

Arrange buttered bun halves in the baking dish, slightly overlapping to cover the entire bottom.

Step 7: Add Hot Dogs

Place whole hot dogs evenly across the buttered bun base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Cover with Chili

Spread the chili and beef mixture over the hot dogs, creating a thick and flavorful layer.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili, covering the entire surface.

Step 10: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges turn golden.

Step 11: Rest and Cool

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.

Step 12: Garnish and Finish

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Diced onions

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop their portion of this comfort food casserole.

Tips To Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Better

• Perfect Beef and Cheese Distribution: Ensure even spreading of ground beef and cheese for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Quick Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese at room temperature to help it melt faster and more smoothly across the casserole surface.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat hot dog buns dry before buttering to maintain crispy texture and avoid excess moisture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for extra umami and richness.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili seasoning to match personal heat preferences, using mild or hot versions as desired.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chili cheese dog casserole delivers comfort food magic with layers of savory hot dogs, zesty chili, and melted cheese. Families will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that brings classic American flavors together in one satisfying bake.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 8 hot dogs
• 1 lb ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Bread and Base:

• 8 hot dog buns
• 1/4 cup butter

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) chili
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Toppings:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef, then stir in the chili seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper, creating a well-seasoned meat mixture.
4. Pour the canned chili into the skillet with the seasoned beef, stirring to combine and create a rich, hearty base for the casserole.
5. Slice the hot dog buns in half lengthwise and brush each side generously with melted butter for a golden, crispy texture.
6. Arrange the buttered bun halves in the prepared baking dish, creating a slightly overlapping layer that covers the bottom of the dish.
7. Layer the whole hot dogs evenly across the buttered bun base, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Spread the chili and beef mixture over the hot dogs, creating a thick, flavorful coating.
9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili layer, covering the entire surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly with golden edges.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
12. Dollop sour cream over the top and garnish with chopped green onions and diced onions for added freshness and crunch.
13. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion of this hearty, comfort-food casserole.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili seasoning or using mild, medium, or hot versions for different spice preferences.
• Replace traditional hot dogs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation that maintains the casserole’s core flavor profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the chili mixture for extra texture and nutrients.
• Prepare components ahead of time to streamline assembly, allowing the beef and chili mixture to cool slightly before layering to prevent soggy bun bottoms.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg