Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Sometimes you just need food that feels like a big, warm hug. You know, the kind that isn’t fancy but hits the spot every single time. That’s what this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is all about.
It’s the perfect meal for a Friday night, a game day, or when you just can’t be bothered to cook something complicated. This recipe takes a classic and turns it into an easy, one-dish wonder that everyone will love.
We’re talking juicy hot dogs, savory chili, and a glorious amount of melted cheese, all baked together. It’s simple, messy, and absolutely delicious.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store. No need for anything fancy here, just good old comfort food staples.
- Hot Dogs: One package (8 count) of your favorite all-beef hot dogs.
- Hot Dog Buns: One package (8 count) of standard hot dog buns.
- Chili: Two 15-ounce cans of your favorite chili, with or without beans is up to you.
- Onion: One medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
- Butter: Two tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted.
- Garlic Powder: One teaspoon.
Tools You’ll Use
You don’t need a professional kitchen setup for this one. Just a few basic tools will get the job done.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Spatula
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Follow these simple steps. It’s almost impossible to mess this up.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Place the hot dog buns into the baking dish, opening them up slightly.
Step 3: Tuck one hot dog into each bun. Just nestle them in there so they’re snug.
Step 4: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften.
Step 5: Pour the two cans of chili into the skillet with the onions. Stir it all together and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Step 6: Spoon the warm chili mixture evenly over the hot dogs and buns. Try to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese.
Step 8: Mix the melted butter and garlic powder together. Drizzle this mixture over the cheese.
Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Pro Tips
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These small things make a big difference.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives to keep it from clumping, which means it doesn’t melt as well. Grating a block of cheese yourself will give you a much creamier, gooier result.
- Toast the Buns First: For a little extra texture, you can lightly toast the buns in the oven for a few minutes before adding the hot dogs. This helps them hold up to the chili and not get too soggy.
- Use Quality Hot Dogs: The hot dog is the star of the show. Using good all-beef hot dogs will give you a much better flavor than cheaper options.
- Let It Rest: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is key. It allows everything to settle, so it doesn’t fall apart when you serve it.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to switch things up based on what you have or what you like.
- Different Meats: Try using bratwurst, Italian sausage, or even plant-based sausages instead of hot dogs.
- Spice It Up: Add a chopped jalapeño to the onion mix or a dash of hot sauce to the chili for some extra heat.
- Cornbread Topping: Instead of buns, you can pour the chili and hot dogs into the dish and top it with a layer of cornbread batter before baking.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when you sauté the onions.
Nutritional Info & Healthy Swaps
This is comfort food, not health food. But if you want to make some lighter adjustments, here are a few ideas.
| Component | Standard Ingredient | Healthier Swap | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Dog | All-Beef Hot Dog | Turkey or Chicken Dogs | Lower in fat and calories. |
| Chili | Canned Chili | Low-Sodium or Homemade Chili | Controls the sodium and fat content. |
| Cheese | Full-Fat Cheddar | Low-Fat Cheddar Cheese | Reduces overall fat and calories. |
| Buns | White Hot Dog Buns | Whole Wheat Buns | Adds a little extra fiber. |
What to Serve With It
This casserole is a meal in itself, but a simple side dish can round it out perfectly.
| Side Dish | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|
| Simple Green Salad | A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole. |
| Tater Tots | Tater tots are a fun, kid-friendly option that goes perfectly with the chili cheese theme. |
| Coleslaw | The cool, creamy crunch of coleslaw provides a great contrast to the warm, savory casserole. |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep parts of this recipe ahead of time to make dinner even easier. The chili and onion mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
You can also assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you bake it cold, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The best way to reheat it is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps keep the buns from getting too mushy. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use homemade chili for this recipe?
Ans: Absolutely. Homemade chili is a great choice. You’ll need about 3 to 4 cups of your favorite chili to cover the hot dogs properly.
Q2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Ans: You can, but the texture of the buns might change a bit after thawing. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q3. My family doesn’t like beans in their chili. Is that okay?
Ans: Of course. Use a chili with no beans if that’s what your family prefers. The recipe works perfectly either way.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a super simple, crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for any night of the week. It’s warm, cheesy, and full of flavor.
Give this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole a try. I promise it will become a new family favorite. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below
