Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

If you love chili dogs, you're going to adore this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole! It’s a fun, family-friendly meal that combines all the flavors of a classic chili dog in one easy-to-make, cheesy casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day, this dish features layers of juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s quick to assemble and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, tips, and tasty variations to make this delicious casserole!

What is a Chili Hot Dog Casserole?

Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that combines the classic flavors of a chili dog—hot dogs, chili, cheese, and sometimes biscuits or tortillas—into a hearty, comforting casserole. Layers of chili and hot dogs are topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, creating a cheesy, savory dish that’s perfect for a crowd. This casserole takes the fuss out of assembling individual chili dogs, making it easy to serve for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.

Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious casserole:

Hot Dogs – 8 hot dogs, sliced in half lengthwise (or cut into bite-sized pieces).
Canned Chili (with or without beans) – 2 cans (15 oz each), or use homemade chili if you prefer.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups, for that melty, cheesy goodness.
Refrigerated Biscuits (optional) – 1 can (optional, for a biscuit topping).
Onion – 1 small, diced (optional, for extra flavor).
Jalapeños – Sliced (optional, for a bit of heat).
Mustard and Ketchup – Optional, for serving and extra chili dog flavor.

Optional Toppings:

Chopped green onions
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Crushed tortilla chips

Substitutions and Variations

This Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust it based on your preferences:

Different Hot Dogs: Use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey hot dogs, or try a plant-based version for a vegetarian option.
Chili: Use canned chili with or without beans, or substitute it with homemade chili if you have some on hand.
Add Vegetables: For a bit of crunch and color, add chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn kernels to the casserole.
Biscuit Topping: If you like, top the casserole with refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent rolls for a fun, bready layer.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chili for extra heat.

These variations let you tailor the casserole to suit your family’s taste while keeping it fun and easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chili Hot Dog Casserole step by step:

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Hot Dogs:
- Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise (or into bite-sized pieces). Place them in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the Chili:
- Pour the canned chili evenly over the hot dogs, making sure they are fully covered. You can mix the chili with diced onions or jalapeños for added flavor.
Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer. Use as much or as little cheese as you like, but 2 cups will give you a nice, cheesy top.
Optional Biscuit Topping:
- If you’re using refrigerated biscuit dough, place the biscuits on top of the cheese layer. Be sure to space them evenly so they bake up golden brown and crispy.
Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the biscuits (if using) are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, topped with chopped green onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

How to Cook Chili Hot Dog Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Layer sliced hot dogs in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with chili, then sprinkle cheese on top.
Optional biscuit topping: Add refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or green onions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Chili: While chili is key to this dish, too much liquid can make the casserole soupy. Stick to 2 cans (15 oz each) for the perfect balance of chili to hot dogs.
Skipping the Biscuit Topping (Optional): If you want a more filling casserole, adding a biscuit or crescent roll topping is a fun twist. Be sure to bake until the biscuits are golden brown for a crispy finish.
Not Using Enough Cheese: This dish is all about cheesy goodness! Be generous with the cheese to ensure a rich, gooey top layer.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chili hot dog casserole is delicious and fun to eat, but with a few simple presentation touches, you can make it even more appealing!

How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion.
Individual Portions: Spoon the casserole onto individual plates and top each serving with extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
With Sides: Pair the casserole with simple sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or potato chips for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color.
Top with Crushed Chips: For extra texture, add a crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips or potato chips just before serving.
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer small bowls of mustard, ketchup, or extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips

Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different kind of chili?
Yes! You can use any kind of chili you prefer—whether it’s canned, homemade, with or without beans. Just be sure not to use chili that’s too watery, as it may make the casserole too soupy.

What can I serve with chili hot dog casserole?
This casserole pairs well with simple sides like potato chips, a green salad, coleslaw, or cornbread. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like mustard or ketchup for extra flavor.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can make this casserole vegetarian by using plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili. The cooking process remains the same, and the dish will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the biscuits from getting soggy?
If you’re using biscuit dough, place it on top of the casserole just before baking and make sure to bake until the biscuits are golden and crispy. Avoid overloading the casserole with too much liquid chili, as that can make the biscuits soggy.

Conclusion:

This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of chili dogs into a simple, family-friendly meal. With layers of hot dogs, chili, and melty cheese (and optional biscuits!), this casserole is sure to be a hit for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual gatherings. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, hearty dish!