Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the flavors of classic chili dogs with a cheesy, baked twist. If you love chili dogs but don’t want the mess of grilling and assembling them individually, this casserole version is for you. Layered with hot dogs, hearty chili, and topped with melted cheese, this dish is easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for serving a crowd. Best of all, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, like onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese. Read on for a step-by-step guide, including variations and tips for the perfect chili hot dog casserole!

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What is Chili Hot Dog Casserole?

Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that combines sliced hot dogs, chili, cheese, and sometimes even a biscuit or cornbread topping. It’s a fun and hearty twist on classic chili dogs, but instead of assembling each hot dog individually, the ingredients are layered in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly and delicious. This dish brings together the savory flavors of chili and hot dogs with the gooey goodness of melted cheese for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

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

For the Casserole:

• 8-10 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans (or homemade chili, if you prefer)
• 1 can (15 oz) chili without beans (for variety in texture)
• 1 package (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
• 1 package (8 oz) shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 cups)
• 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough (optional, for a topping)
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for tang)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)
• Cooking spray or butter (to grease the casserole dish)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Here are a few ideas for customizing your chili hot dog casserole:

1. Hot Dog Options: You can use beef, turkey, or even veggie hot dogs depending on your dietary preference. For a smokier flavor, use smoked sausages or bratwursts.
2. Chili Choices: Use store-bought canned chili for convenience, or whip up your favorite homemade chili recipe. You can also mix it up with chili con carne or a vegetarian chili if you want to skip the meat.
3. Cheese Variations: Cheddar is classic, but you can try using pepper jack, Colby-Jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
4. Toppings: Customize the dish by adding your favorite hot dog toppings, like diced onions, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon.
5. Biscuit or Cornbread Topping: Instead of crescent rolls, you can top the casserole with biscuit dough or even a layer of cornbread batter for a different twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chili Hot Dog Casserole in just a few easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs and Layer the Dish

Slice the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you like, you can lightly brown the hot dogs in a skillet for a few minutes before layering them, but this step is optional.

Step 3: Add the Chili

Pour both cans of chili (with and without beans) over the hot dogs. Spread it evenly so that the hot dogs are fully covered with chili. If you’re using homemade chili, you’ll need about 3-4 cups in total. If you want to add some extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup before layering the chili.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) over the chili. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for that gooey, melty goodness!

Step 5: Optional Topping

If you’re using crescent roll or biscuit dough, open the package and lay the dough over the cheese. You can either roll out the dough and cover the casserole completely or cut the dough into smaller pieces and place them on top in a patchwork pattern. For a cornbread topping, simply spread the prepared cornbread batter over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the crescent roll or biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Add Optional Toppings and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you want to add fresh toppings, now’s the time! Garnish with diced onions, jalapeño slices, or chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease the baking dish.
2. Layer Hot Dogs and Chili: Slice the hot dogs and cover them with chili.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chili.
4. Top with Dough (Optional): Add crescent roll, biscuit, or cornbread topping.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve with Toppings: Add fresh toppings like onions or jalapeños and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Dish: If you add too many hot dogs or chili, the casserole may become too watery or heavy. Stick to the recommended amounts to ensure a good balance of flavors.
• Skipping the Grease: Be sure to grease your baking dish, especially if you’re using a dough topping like crescent rolls. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving much easier.
• Not Cooking the Dough Thoroughly: If you’re using crescent roll or biscuit dough, make sure it’s fully cooked and golden brown before serving. Undercooked dough can be soggy and chewy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chili Hot Dog Casserole is comfort food at its best, but you can still serve it up in a fun and flavorful way! Here are some serving ideas:

How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• With Chips: Serve this casserole with tortilla chips or potato chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
• Over Rice or Pasta: For an even heartier meal, spoon the casserole over cooked rice or pasta.
• As a Party Dip: Cut the casserole into small pieces and serve it as a dip with chips or crackers for a fun party appetizer.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Top with Sour Cream: Drizzle some sour cream over the top of the casserole for a cool, tangy finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Individual Portions: For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small ovenproof dishes so everyone gets their own personal portion.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Reheating: This casserole reheats well in the oven. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole with homemade chili?
A: Yes! Homemade chili works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure you have about 3-4 cups of chili to cover the hot dogs evenly.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.

Q: Can I add a layer of tater tots on top instead of dough?
A: Yes! For a fun variation, layer frozen tater tots over the cheese instead of crescent rolls or biscuits. Bake until the tots are crispy and golden brown.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicy?
A: To spice it up, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. You can also use a spicy variety of hot dogs or chili to add more heat.

Conclusion

This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines the best of chili dogs and casseroles into one comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a game-day feast, or a potluck, this recipe is easy to customize and delivers big on flavor. Serve it with your favorite toppings, add a side of chips or a salad, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this crowd-pleasing casserole!

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