Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Why This Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
There are casseroles, and then there’s this casserole. It’s bold. It’s hearty. It’s comfort food at its finest.
1. It’s a Nostalgic Classic — With a Twist
Who doesn’t remember the joy of eating a hot dog smothered in chili and cheese? This casserole takes that same iconic flavor and transforms it into a bake-worthy meal. It’s nostalgic, but elevated. Instead of serving up individual dogs, you’re baking the whole dish — maximizing flavor, minimizing cleanup.
2. It Feeds a Crowd (Without Breaking the Bank)
Made with affordable staples like ground beef, hot dogs, canned beans, and shredded cheddar, this dish is budget-friendly without skimping on taste. It’s also easily doubled for larger gatherings.
3. It’s Incredibly Easy to Make
With just a few simple steps — browning meat, mixing ingredients, layering, and baking — this casserole is beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull off a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
For the Chili Base:
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Assembly:
- 12 beef or turkey hot dogs
- 3 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Follow these instructions for casserole perfection.
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch glass baking dish — perfect for evenly distributing the heat and showcasing those golden cheese edges.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili base thick and flavorful.
3. Build the Chili Base
Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, and spices — including chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper — directly to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
4. Layer the Dish
Spread the chili mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
5. Add the Hot Dogs
Nestle the 12 hot dogs vertically into the chili. You want the tips of each dog peeking through the chili for that picture-perfect finish.
6. Blanket with Cheese
Sprinkle 3½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. The cheese should fully cover the chili but still allow the hot dog tips to stay visible — like chili cheese volcanoes waiting to erupt.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. The hot dogs should be heated through and slightly blistered on top.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
Serving Suggestions: Take it to the Next Level
1. Top It Off
Offer a toppings bar for guests or family to customize their portions. Great options include:
- Chopped onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crumbled bacon
- Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
2. Pair It Right
Serve with:
- A simple green salad with ranch dressing
- Cornbread or garlic toast
- Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast
3. Make It a Meal Prep Star
This casserole reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for grab-and-go meals.
