Cozy Up with a Soul-Warming Hearty Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible chili hot dog casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together in a mouthwatering celebration of classic flavors.

Juicy hot dogs nestled perfectly in a rich, spicy chili create a delightful main dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy, and zesty elements that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that works magic for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Melted cheese and crispy edges add an extra layer of deliciousness that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary experience that guarantees smiles and clean plates.

Building a Bold Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Create the Meaty Base

Spread hot dogs across the bottom of the dish, creating a fun and tasty foundation for your casserole.

• Layer on the Chili

Pour a generous blanket of chili over the hot dogs, making sure every inch gets covered with savory goodness.

• Sprinkle the Cheese

Shower the chili with a snowfall of shredded cheese, ensuring maximum melty deliciousness.

• Add the Crispy Topping

Scatter crushed corn chips or breadcrumbs over the cheese to create a crunchy, golden crown.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bubble and brown for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are crispy.

• Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then dive in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece.

Flavor Tricks for Chili Casserole Night

• No-Fail Hot Dog Layering: Spread hot dogs evenly across the casserole to ensure every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular hot dog buns with gluten-free bread or use cauliflower crumbles to create a celiac-friendly version of this comfort dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or spicy chili, or mix different chili types to create your perfect flavor profile – from kid-friendly to fiery.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, onions, or corn kernels between hot dog and chili layers for a more balanced meal.

Serving Chili Hot Dog Casserole Made Simple

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Top each serving with chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream for a burst of fresh and tangy goodness.
• Game Night Feast: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with ice-cold root beer or a refreshing cola to complement the hearty, rich flavors of the chili hot dog casserole and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Spice It Up Station: Set out jalapeños, hot sauce, and pickled peppers so guests can customize their heat level and add personal flair to their plate.

Saving and Reheating Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Freezing Method: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, maintaining quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring hot dogs and cheese return to their original delicious state.
• Portioning Pro Tip: Cut casserole into single-serving squares before storing, making grab-and-go meals simple for busy weekdays or quick lunch options.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Hot Dogs: Juicy protein packed with classic flavor, choose all-beef or your favorite variety for maximum taste.
• Chili: Hearty base that adds richness and bold southwestern spirit, opt for homemade or quality canned version.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, tangy topping that creates creamy texture and golden crust.
• Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery, flaky foundation that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting casserole.

• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty topping that adds bright crunch and color contrast.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy complement that balances the spicy chili and cuts through rich flavors.

Equipment You’ll Use for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for assembling and baking your entire casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients and preparing the chili mixture.
• Cutting Board: Helps you slice hot dogs and chop any additional toppings.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Hearty Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

This scrumptious easy chili hot dog casserole brings comfort food to new heights with layers of hearty flavor. Hot dogs nestled in zesty chili create a perfect weeknight meal for hungry families seeking simple, satisfying dinner solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 hot dogs
• 2 cups (500 milliliters / 16 fl oz) chili (homemade or canned)
• 8 hot dog buns (split, optional)
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams / 5.3 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (30 grams / 1 oz) diced onion (optional)
• ¼ cup (30 grams / 1 oz) sliced jalapenos (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Base Layer: Arrange hot dogs in parallel rows across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a uniform foundation for the casserole.
3. Flavor Infusion: Spread chili evenly over hot dogs, ensuring complete coverage and creating a robust base that will bind the dish together.
4. Cheese Coating: Generously distribute shredded cheese across the chili layer, allowing for complete melting and a golden, appetizing surface during baking.
5. Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese, establishing a textured and crunchy layer that will provide delightful contrast.
6. Baking Process: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese melts thoroughly and topping achieves a rich golden-brown color.
7. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to allow layers to set, then slice into portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions or additional condiments.

Notes

• Optimize Hot Dog Texture: Select high-quality, all-beef hot dogs for richer flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking by patting them dry before layering.
• Create Crispy Cracker Topping: Use buttery crackers like Ritz for extra crunch and golden-brown coloration, crushing them coarsely to maintain textural integrity.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular hot dogs with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use low-sodium chili, and select gluten-free crackers to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Prevent Cheese Burning: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to ensure even cheese melting and prevent excessive browning, removing foil in the last 5-7 minutes for perfect golden topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg