Best Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe: A Fun Twist on Family Favorites

Crafting a mouthwatering easy chili hot dog casserole doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate this simple, hearty dish that combines classic flavors everyone loves.

Layers of savory hot dogs nestled in rich, spicy chili create a delightful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Melted cheese adds a creamy texture that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.

Kids and adults alike will cheer when this casserole lands on the dinner table.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, this recipe promises to become a family favorite.

Jump in and let the delicious adventure begin!

Helpful Tips for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

  • Opt for high-quality hot dogs and chili for the best flavor profile and texture in this comfort dish.
  • Customize biscuit placement to ensure even cooking and crispy golden edges around each piece.
  • Drain excess liquid from canned chili to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a rich, hearty consistency.
  • Replace traditional biscuits with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, keeping the recipe adaptable.
  • Enhance the dish by adding sliced jalapeños or green onions for an extra kick of flavor and visual appeal.

Flavorful Twists for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

  • Vegetarian Chili Bake: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or chopped vegetable protein, using vegetarian chili and dairy-free cheese for a meatless version.
  • Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, swap mustard for hot sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Use gluten-free biscuits, check chili labels for gluten content, and substitute with gluten-free hot dogs to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace biscuits with cauliflower rounds or cheese crisps, use low-carb chili, and choose lean hot dog varieties for a lighter meal.

Pairing Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

  • Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Bring this casserole to your next neighborhood gathering and watch everyone's eyes light up with excitement. The combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheesy biscuits creates an irresistible comfort food that'll have people coming back for seconds.
  • Game Day Touchdown Treat: Perfect for sports fans looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal during big game celebrations. Serve with extra toppings like chopped jalapeños or sour cream to kick the flavor up a notch.
  • Family Dinner Quick Fix: Busy parents will love how fast this dish comes together. Kids adore the fun combination of hot dogs and biscuits, making mealtime a breeze and eliminating dinnertime battles.

Storing Chili Hot Dog Casserole Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
  • Separate the casserole into individual portions before refrigerating to make reheating easier and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade chili instead of canned chili?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade chili works great and can add more depth of flavor to the casserole.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Most kids love hot dogs and cheesy dishes, making this casserole a perfect family meal that’s easy to prepare.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

  • What type of biscuits work best for this recipe?

Refrigerated canned buttermilk biscuits are ideal, but you can also use homemade biscuits or even crescent roll dough for a similar result.

Why Chili Hot Dog Casserole Is So Tasty

  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Transform basic ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Combines classic hot dogs and chili with soft biscuits, creating a dish that children and adults will absolutely love.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable pantry staples and pre-made ingredients, making this recipe wallet-friendly without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep and cleanup mean you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your family.

Ingredients for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic American sausages that provide the key protein and signature flavor for this casserole.
  • Chili: Hearty, spiced meat sauce that creates a rich and robust base for the dish.
  • Biscuits: Soft, fluffy bread topping that adds a comforting texture and absorbs the delicious chili flavors.
Cheese Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds a creamy, tangy layer of richness to the casserole.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mustard, Diced Onions: Optional condiments that provide additional zesty and sharp flavor accents to complement the main ingredients.

How to Make Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything cooks perfectly and gets that delicious golden color.

Step 2: Create Chili Hot Dog Mix

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Sliced hot dogs
  • Canned chili
  • Mustard (optional for extra tang)

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a hearty base for your casserole.

Step 3: Transfer To Baking Dish

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Pour your chili hot dog mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili mixture.

Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Top With Biscuits

Arrange biscuits on top of the cheesy layer.

Place them slightly apart so they have room to puff up and get crispy while baking.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

For an extra kick, sprinkle some diced onions on top before serving. Dig in and savor the delicious combination of chili, hot dogs, cheese, and biscuits!

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Best Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Best Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spicy and comforting, this easy chili hot dog casserole brings hearty Midwestern flavors to dinner tables. Melted cheese, crispy hot dogs, and zesty chili create a perfect one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 8 hot dogs, sliced
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) chili with beans
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) chili without beans

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Baking and Seasoning:

  • 1 can (16.3 ounces/462 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
  2. Combine sliced hot dogs, chili, and mustard in a mixing bowl, stirring until thoroughly blended.
  3. Transfer the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  4. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the entire chili layer, creating a complete coverage.
  5. Arrange refrigerated biscuits across the cheese layer, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until biscuits transform into a golden-brown color and appear fully cooked.
  7. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes to help set the layers and cool slightly.
  8. Garnish with fresh diced onions before serving for an additional layer of flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits and checking chili ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
  • Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium hot dogs and chili, which helps control salt intake without sacrificing flavor.
  • Transform the dish vegetarian by substituting plant-based hot dogs and meat-free chili, maintaining the same comforting texture and taste.
  • Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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