Save A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I first made this Chili Dog Casserole for a football party and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved the gooey cheese and how it tasted just like their favorite comfort food, but even easier to serve a crowd.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8, sliced into 1 inch pieces
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (about 450 g), homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g), shredded
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Fresh chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange buns:
- Place halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Add hot dogs:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly onto buns.
- Add onions:
- Sprinkle chopped onion over hot dogs.
- Layer chili:
- Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and casserole is heated through.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Save This has become a weekend favorite in my household, with everyone pitching in to layer the ingredients before a movie night together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance to your meal.
Variations
Try turkey or plant-based hot dogs, or swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a flavor twist.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
Save This casserole brings the comfort of classic chili dogs to your table with minimum fuss and maximum flavor.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use different types of hot dogs?
Absolutely—you can substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based hot dogs for beef to suit dietary preferences.
- → What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a richer or spicier note to the baked dish.
- → How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Use plant-based hot dogs and choose canned vegetarian chili. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve for fresh, melty cheese.
- → What sides pair well with this main?
A green salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw complement the hearty flavors and complete the meal.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
No, the buns and possibly some chili brands contain gluten. Use gluten-free alternatives if needed.