Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe: Family Dinner Magic

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

Melted cheese and hearty chili create an irresistible combination perfect for weekend gatherings.

Layers of flavor stack up deliciously in this simple yet impressive dish.

Casual dining gets an upgrade with minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make every bite a delightful experience.

Hot dogs transform into something extraordinary when nestled beneath a blanket of rich, spicy goodness.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal that brings serious comfort to the table.

Why Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Is a Game Day Favorite

• Savor Comfort Food Bliss: A mouthwatering combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheesy corn muffin topping that delivers pure comfort in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese, or switching up the protein to match your taste preferences.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal packed with protein, carbs, and flavor, all baked in a single baking dish for minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic kid-approved ingredients like hot dogs and cheese with a hearty chili base that appeals to both children and adults.

Everything You Need for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that forms the rich base of the casserole.
• Hot Dogs: Classic comfort food that adds extra protein and traditional flavor to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, sharp topping that adds creamy richness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy garnish that balances the spicy and savory elements of the dish.

• Hot Dog Buns: Creates a soft, absorbent foundation for the casserole layers.
• Corn Muffin Mix: Serves as a golden, slightly sweet topping that completes the comfort food experience.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth to the corn muffin topping and overall dish.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, sharp garnish that brightens the final presentation.

• Chili: Adds a spicy and saucy element that enriches the ground beef mixture.

Step-by-Step for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coating of grease to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into tiny crumbles and cook until every bit of pink disappears, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Chili and Beef

Stir the prepared chili into the cooked ground beef, creating a mouthwatering meaty base that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create the Bun Foundation

Tear those hot dog buns into pieces and spread them across the bottom of the baking dish, forming a crispy base layer.

Step 5: Add Hot Dog Layer

Slice the hot dogs on a diagonal and scatter them evenly over the bun layer, ensuring every bite gets some doggy goodness.

Step 6: Pour the Meaty Mixture

Drench the hot dogs and buns with the beef and chili mixture, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Blanket the entire casserole with a generous shower of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty, gooey masterpiece.

Step 8: Mix the Corn Muffin Topping

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder

These secret ingredients will kick the flavor into high gear.

Step 9: Create the Topping

Drop spoonfuls of the corn muffin batter over the cheese layer, giving it a rustic, homemade look.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown corn muffin top and cheese that’s bubbling with excitement.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Step 12: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top and add a dollop of sour cream. These final touches bring a fresh, tangy pop to your creation.

Top Tips for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Success

• Prevent Sticking Perfectly: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Spice Up the Corn Topping: Add extra chili powder or garlic powder to the corn muffin mix for a more complex and zesty flavor profile.
• Create Texture Balance: Cut hot dogs diagonally and distribute evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect mix of soft buns, meaty chunks, and crispy topping.
• Keep Casserole Moist: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and prevent the casserole from becoming dry.

Tasty Twists for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Chili Dog Shepherd's Pie: Replace hot dog buns with mashed potatoes as the base layer, creating a hearty potato-topped casserole with classic chili dog flavors.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap hot dog buns with cauliflower rice or crushed pork rinds, use low-carb chili, and top with a cheese crisp instead of corn muffin mix.
• Vegetarian Chili Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, use vegetarian hot dogs, and maintain the cheesy corn muffin topping for a meat-free alternative.

Perfect Pairings for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Beer Contrast: Light lager or amber ale cuts through the rich, meaty casserole and refreshes the palate with its carbonation and mild hop character.
• Complement with Zesty Slaw: Tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing provides a crunchy, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy casserole texture.
• Cool Down with Creamy Sides: Buttermilk ranch dressing or cool sour cream dip balances the spicy chili and adds a smooth, cooling element to each hearty bite.
• Boost with Pickled Punch: Dill pickle spears or jalapeño pickles deliver a sharp, briny note that heightens the casserole's robust flavor profile and adds exciting brightness.

How to Store Chili Cheese Dog Casserole the Smart Way

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole intact to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil if edges brown too quickly to prevent drying out.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole FAQs Made Simple

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as alternatives to ground beef in this recipe.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili you use. Choose mild chili for less heat or add hot sauce for more kick.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Reduce or omit the chili powder and use a milder cheese like monterey jack to tone down the flavors.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili cheese dog casserole brings comfort food to new heights with layers of savory goodness. Melted cheese, juicy hot dogs, and rich chili combine in a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 8 hot dogs
• 1 lb ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

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

Pantry and Seasonings:

• 1 can (15 oz) chili
• 1 package corn muffin mix
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Bread and Base:

• 6 hot dog buns, torn into pieces

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Mix the prepared chili with the cooked ground beef, stirring to combine thoroughly and create a rich, hearty base for the casserole.
4. Layer the torn hot dog buns across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating an even foundation for the casserole.
5. Slice the hot dogs diagonally and arrange them evenly over the bun layer, distributing them for consistent coverage.
6. Pour the beef and chili mixture over the hot dogs and bun base, ensuring an even distribution of the meaty sauce.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, covering the entire surface with a blanket of melty goodness.
8. In a separate bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions, incorporating chili powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
9. Dollop spoonfuls of the corn muffin batter over the cheese layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the corn muffin topping is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
12. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or using spicy ground beef for extra kick.
• Swap hot dog buns with gluten-free alternatives to make the dish celiac-friendly and inclusive.
• Use turkey or plant-based hot dogs to reduce fat and create a lighter version of this comfort food classic.
• Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before baking to streamline weeknight meal preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg