Lay some hotdog buns in a casserole dish, and in no time, you’ll have a dinner to die for! Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic American hot dog, combining the comfort of warm chili and the indulgence of a cheese dog into a crowd-pleasing, one-dish meal. Inspired by the American tradition of maximizing flavor with simple ingredients, this recipe brings the ballpark vibe right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings during game nights or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Combines the best of chili, cheese, and hot dogs—what’s not to love?
One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor, ideal for game nights, potlucks, or family dinners.
Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste with different toppings or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
6 hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces: The star of the casserole, adding a familiar, smoky flavor.
6 hot dog buns, torn into chunks: Creates the base and adds texture to the dish.
1 (15 oz) can of chili with beans: Provides a rich, hearty layer that ties the dish together.
1/2 onion, diced: Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
1 teaspoon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the hot dogs.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a hint of spice.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish.
1 cup of water: Keeps the casserole moist and prevents drying during baking.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Hot Dog Alternatives: Use bratwurst, smoked sausages, or veggie dogs for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different twist.
Chili Options: Use homemade chili or a different style, like spicy chili or vegetarian chili, to suit your preferences.
Additional Toppings: Add diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or olives for more flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free hot dog buns to make this dish gluten-free.
Instructions: How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Bun Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the torn hot dog buns with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Layer the Casserole: Scatter half of the bun mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly layer the sliced hot dogs and diced onion over the bun base.
Add the Chili and Cheese: Pour the chili with beans over the hot dog layer, spreading it out to cover the hot dogs completely. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
Top with Remaining Buns and Cheese: Layer the remaining bun mixture on top of the cheese layer, then top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
Add Moisture: Gently pour one cup of water over the entire casserole to ensure it stays moist during baking.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Chili Cheese Dog Casserole pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its rich, savory flavors:
Crispy Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
Fresh Green Salad: Provides a light, crisp side to balance the richness of the dish.
Potato Chips: Serve with some crunchy potato chips for added texture.
Cornbread: A slice of cornbread or cornbread muffins adds a touch of sweetness and heartiness.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen! Once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Creative Variations
Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the chili layer for extra heat.
Meatier Option: Use beef chili or add precooked sausage slices for a meatier dish.
Vegetarian Version: Replace hot dogs with a meat-free alternative and use vegetarian chili.
Creamy Addition: Add a layer of sour cream before the final cheese layer for extra creaminess.
Final Note
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on a classic American favorite. It combines all the best parts of a chili cheese dog into a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a game night, potluck, or casual family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
So, lay those hotdog buns in a casserole dish, and enjoy a dinner to die for with every cheesy, flavorful bite. Happy cooking!
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 hot dog buns torn into chunks
- 1 can 15 oz chili with beans
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the torn hot dog buns with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Scatter half of the bun mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly layer the sliced hot dogs and diced onion over the bun base.
- Pour the chili with beans over the hot dog layer, spreading it out to cover the hot dogs.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Layer the remaining bun mixture on top of the cheese and then top with the remaining cup of cheese.
- Gently pour 1 cup of water over the entire casserole to ensure it doesn’t dry out during baking.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.