Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Life gets deliciously chaotic when you discover this simple chili hot dog casserole that turns weeknight dinners into spontaneous celebrations.

Comfort food always sparks unexpected joy around our kitchen table.

Hearty ingredients combine in ways that surprise and delight hungry families.

Layers of melted cheese, savory chili, and crispy hot dogs create a meal everyone will devour.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction without complicated cooking techniques.

Casual dinner options like this become instant crowd-pleasers that bring smiles and satisfaction.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch magic happen at your dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of hot dogs?

Yes, you can use any variety of hot dogs like beef, turkey, or vegetarian options that fit your preference and dietary needs.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love hot dogs and cheesy casseroles, making this a fun and easy meal that children will enjoy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What canned chili works best for this recipe?

Stick with hearty, thick canned chili without too much liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Brands like Hormel or Wolf work well.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Bursting with Flavor

• Whip Up Comfort Food Fast: This casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily personalize the dish by adding your favorite toppings like jalapenos, onions, or extra cheese to match your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Hot dogs and chili create a universally loved combination that appeals to both children and adults, making mealtime fun and stress-free.
• Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Enjoyment: Using just one baking dish means less kitchen mess and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal with your loved ones.

Ingredients for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Hot Dogs: Classic American sausages that add protein and traditional flavor to the casserole.
• Chili: Hearty meat sauce that provides rich, spicy base and moisture for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy, tangy flavor.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky pastry that creates a crispy, golden-brown layer on top of the casserole.

• Mustard, Chopped Onions, Pickled Jalapenos: Fresh condiments that add zesty, spicy, and crunchy elements to enhance the overall taste experience.

How to Make Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

This temperature will help create a perfectly melted and bubbling casserole.

Step 2: Create Chili Base Layer

Spread a generous layer of chili across the bottom of your baking dish.

This creates a delicious foundation for your hot dog feast.

Step 3: Arrange Hot Dog Highway

Carefully position hot dogs across the chili base.

Arrange them neatly to ensure every bite gets maximum flavor coverage.

Step 4: Blanket With Remaining Chili

Pour the rest of the chili over the hot dogs, making sure they’re completely embraced by the saucy goodness.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese Magic

Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

The cheese will melt into a golden, gooey blanket that adds incredible richness.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Topping

If you want extra crunch, drape crescent roll dough over the casserole.

This creates a beautiful golden crust.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, hot dish with a slightly crispy top.

Step 8: Dress And Serve

• Mustard drizzles
• Chopped onions
• Pickled jalapenos

Serve immediately while everything is hot and tempting.

Tips for a Delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Use a ceramic or glass baking dish to ensure even heat distribution and crisp base layer.
• Mix different types of chili (beef and turkey) for a more complex taste profile.
• Press crescent roll dough evenly and brush with melted butter for a golden, crunchy crust.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot chili and adding or reducing jalapenos.
• Substitute turkey hot dogs and low-fat cheese for a lighter version of this comfort dish.

Variation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free cornbread mix or almond flour biscuits for a celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie Power Casserole: Swap hot dogs with plant-based sausages and use vegetarian chili, adding extra bell peppers and mushrooms for texture.
• Low-Carb Protein Bake: Use turkey or chicken hot dogs, replace chili with a low-carb meat sauce, and top with cauliflower crumbles instead of dough.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Remix: Incorporate chorizo sausages, add pepper jack cheese, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, and include diced green chiles for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Casual Game Night Star: Slice this casserole into bite-sized squares for perfect party appetizers during sports events or movie marathons.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair with crispy potato chips, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the baking dish with extra toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese on the side for a fun, interactive meal.
• Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning breakfast by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside toast for a quick, indulgent weekend brunch option.

Storage Tips for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chili hot dog casserole combines comfort foods for a satisfying meal that brings families together. Cheesy layers and classic ingredients create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 Hot dogs
• 15 ounces (425 grams) Canned chili (with or without beans)

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup Chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons Pickled jalapenos

Bread and Condiments:

• 1 tube Crescent roll dough
• 2 tablespoons Yellow mustard

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a sturdy baking dish for the hearty casserole.
2. Create a foundational layer by spreading a generous portion of chili across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Arrange hot dogs strategically over the chili base, positioning them evenly for consistent heat distribution.
4. Drizzle the remaining chili sauce over the hot dogs, completely blanketing the proteins.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, allowing it to melt and create a rich, golden surface.
6. Optional: Delicately lay crescent roll dough over the cheese for an additional crispy, flaky texture.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown.
8. Once removed from the oven, enhance the presentation with optional garnishes like tangy mustard, finely chopped raw onions, and zesty pickled jalapeños.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the melted cheese and savory chili to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy chili to suit different taste preferences.
• Swap traditional hot dogs with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier version.
• Enhance crunch and texture by adding crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier and refrigerating until ready to bake, which helps develop deeper flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg