Delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering chili hot dog casserole sparks joy for comfort food enthusiasts everywhere.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings together classic flavors that dance on your palate.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this casserole delivers with charm.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dive into this crowd-pleasing meal.

Cheesy, saucy, and packed with robust flavor, the recipe beckons you to roll up your sleeves and start cooking.

Get ready to become the kitchen hero who serves up pure happiness in every single bite.

Helpful Tips for Chili Hot Dog

  • Swap hot dogs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
  • Choose low-sodium canned chili to control salt intake and create a healthier meal option.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for extra zesty taste.
  • Cut biscuit dough into smaller pieces for more even cooking and crispy texture throughout the casserole.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this quick weeknight dinner even faster and more convenient.

Flavor Twists for Hot Dog Casserole

  • Vegetarian Chili Casserole: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or roasted vegetable chunks. Use vegetarian chili or bean-based chili alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower crust. Choose gluten-free hot dogs and verify chili ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace biscuits with crispy cheese crisps or almond flour topping. Use turkey or chicken hot dogs for leaner protein option.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Include chorizo sausage instead of traditional hot dogs for extra kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Hot Dog Casserole

  • Crowd-Pleasing Game Day Delight: Serve this casserole during sports events as a hearty crowd-favorite that's easy to share and devour between game highlights.
  • Backyard BBQ Showstopper: Bring this dish to summer gatherings where everyone loves casual, comforting food that feels like a fun twist on classic hot dogs and chili.
  • Weeknight Family Dinner Hero: Whip up this quick casserole when you need a fast meal that kids will love and adults will appreciate for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.
  • Potluck Party Champion: Transport this casserole in a covered dish to potlucks, where its cheesy, meaty layers will make you the star of the community gathering.

FAQs

  • Are hot dogs the best protein for this casserole?

Yes, hot dogs work perfectly because they’re pre-cooked, add great flavor, and blend seamlessly with chili in this comfort dish.

  • Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade chili adds a richer, more personalized taste and works just as well as canned chili in this recipe.

  • What cheese options work best for this casserole?

Cheddar is classic, but you can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor and melting quality.

  • How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Use turkey hot dogs, turkey chili, low-fat cheese, and add some diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition without compromising taste.

Why This Chili Hot Dog Casserole Rocks

  • Quick Comfort Food Hack: Transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hunger and brings smiles around the dinner table.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Combines classic hot dogs and chili with crispy biscuit topping, making it an instant hit for picky eaters and families.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and uses convenient store-bought ingredients, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious dinner solution.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Eliminates multiple dish cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic American sausages that add hearty flavor and texture to the casserole.
  • Canned Chili: Robust, spicy sauce that provides a rich and meaty foundation for the dish.
Dairy Component:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy, tangy notes to the casserole.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Refrigerated Biscuit Dough, Crescent Rolls: Convenient pastry that creates a golden, flaky crust over the casserole.
  • Diced Onions, Jalapenos: Fresh ingredients that add crunch, sharpness, and optional heat to the final dish.
  • Mustard, Ketchup: Classic condiments that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Directions for Hot Dog Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Layer Your Flavor Explosion

Grab these delicious ingredients:
  • Hot dogs
  • Canned chili
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Slice those hot dogs and spread them across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the chili over the hot dogs, creating a mouth-watering base.

Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese to add some gooey goodness.

Step 3: Crown With Fluffy Topping

Tear open a tube of refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent rolls.

Break them into bite-sized pieces and scatter them across the top of your chili and hot dog layer. This will create a golden, puffy crown that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit topping turns a beautiful golden brown and looks crispy around the edges.

Step 5: Dress It Up

Pull out your masterpiece and get ready to jazz it up! Sprinkle some diced onions on top, add a few sliced jalapenos for kick, and don’t forget classic condiments like mustard or ketchup.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Print
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Delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort-packed chili hot dog casserole delivers hearty midwest flavor for family dinners. Cheesy layers of classic ingredients create a simple, satisfying meal perfect for weekend gatherings and casual celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 hot dogs (sliced)
  • 1 15-ounce can chili (with or without beans)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 8-ounce tube refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent rolls

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 2 tablespoons sliced jalapenos

Condiments:

  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an evenly warmed cooking environment.
  2. Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and create easy cleanup.
  3. Create a base layer by arranging sliced hot dogs across the bottom of the prepared dish.
  4. Generously pour chili over the hot dogs, covering them completely for maximum flavor integration.
  5. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the chili layer, ensuring even coverage for melting.
  6. Break refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll pieces into smaller segments.
  7. Carefully place the dough pieces on top of the cheese, creating a rustic, uneven topping that will provide crispy texture.
  8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  9. Monitor the dish, checking for golden-brown biscuit topping and bubbling cheese as indicators of doneness.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to cool slightly.
  11. Garnish with optional toppings like diced onions, sliced jalapenos, mustard, or ketchup according to personal preference.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melted for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Elevate the casserole’s nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or corn to boost vegetable content and add color.
  • Swap traditional hot dogs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the same hearty flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium chili and lean hot dogs to create a lighter, heart-healthier dish without compromising taste.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix to introduce unexpected flavor dimensions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 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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