Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe That Kids Adore

Chili hot dog casserole might sound like comfort food magic waiting to happen.

Some weekend dinner options feel like pure genius in a single dish.

Hungry folks understand the appeal of combining classic flavors into one simple baking pan.

Melted cheese and hearty chili create incredible textures that dance across your plate.

Kids and adults appreciate these no-fuss meal solutions that bring everyone together.

Quick assembly means minimal kitchen time and maximum satisfaction for busy households.

You can create this crowd-pleasing casserole faster than ordering takeout.

Ready to experience a dinner that delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort?

Why People Love Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• This casserole takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast meal.
• Combines classic hot dogs and chili in a cheesy baked dish that children and adults both love, creating instant mealtime excitement.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients like hot dogs, canned chili, and bread, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• Minimal dishes and straightforward preparation mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal with family and friends.

What’s in Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Hot Dogs: Meaty base that adds classic flavor and hearty texture to the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Rich protein that provides depth and traditional chili foundation.

• Canned Chili: Convenient base with pre-seasoned meat and robust flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy backdrop to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, creamy layer.
• Hot Dog Buns or Bread Crumbs: Provides structure and absorbs delicious flavors.
• Optional Diced Onions: Adds sharp, fresh crunch and aromatic element.
• Optional Jalapeños: Brings spicy kick for heat lovers.

How to Make Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Hot Dogs

Cut hot dogs into bite-sized rounds, creating diagonal slices for an appealing look and easy eating.

Step 3: Create Chili Base

• Ground beef
• Chili seasoning
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Layer Casserole Foundation

Spread a thin layer of prepared chili across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a flavorful base.

Step 5: Add Hot Dog Layer

Arrange hot dog slices evenly over the chili layer, creating a complete coverage.

Step 6: Pour Remaining Chili

Spread the remaining chili mixture over the hot dog slices, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Top With Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire casserole surface.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are golden brown.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Step 10: Garnish And Enjoy

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Tips for Chili Hot Dog Casserole Success

• Select Lean Hot Dogs: Choose lower-fat hot dogs to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining great flavor.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle shredded cheese during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for perfectly melted, golden-brown topping.
• Customize Spice Levels: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, or use mild ingredients for kid-friendly version.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to increase vegetable content and add extra texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Storing and Reheating Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

What Goes Well With Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Bold beer like an amber ale complements the rich, meaty chili and cuts through the casserole's heaviness.
• Tangy coleslaw adds a cool crunch that balances the warm, spicy casserole and provides textural contrast.
• Smooth ranch or blue cheese dressing offers a cooling element that tames the chili's heat and adds creamy richness.
• Light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing brings freshness and acidity to cut through the dish's richness.

Variations on Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Gluten-Free Chili Dog Delight: Swap regular hot dog buns with gluten-free alternatives and use certified gluten-free hot dogs. Replace wheat-based flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Chili Bake: Substitute meat hot dogs with plant-based sausages or veggie dogs. Use vegetarian chili or lentil-based chili as a protein-packed replacement. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for depth.
• Low-Carb Chili Dog Casserole: Replace hot dog buns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use low-carb hot dogs and create a keto-friendly chili with ground beef and minimal beans. Top with shredded cheese for added flavor.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Incorporate jalapeños, Mexican blend cheese, and chorizo sausage. Add chipotle peppers to the chili for extra heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for authentic southwestern flair.

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make this chili hot dog casserole?

You’ll need hot dogs, prepared chili (canned or homemade), shredded cheddar cheese, crescent roll dough, and optional toppings like chopped onions or green onions.

• Can I use different types of hot dogs for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, or chicken hot dogs based on your preference. Just make sure they’re standard-sized hot dogs that will fit well in the casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This casserole is super kid-friendly with its combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheese. Most children love these ingredients, making it a great family meal that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Consider using lean hot dogs, turkey chili with lower fat content, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or add a side salad to increase the nutritional value.

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chili hot dog casserole delivers comfort on a plate, bringing classic American flavors together in one satisfying dish. Quick layers of saucy chili, melted cheese, and crispy hot dogs create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 hot dogs
• 8 hot dog buns (split, optional)
• 2 cups (500 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) chili (homemade or canned)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups (150 grams / 5.3 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish and Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams / 1 ounce) diced onion (optional)
• ¼ cup (30 grams / 1 ounce) sliced jalapenos (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven and prepare the baking vessel by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Layer the bottom of the prepared dish with hot dogs, arranging them in neat, parallel rows to create a uniform base for the casserole.
3. Carefully distribute the chili evenly over the hot dogs, ensuring complete coverage and creating a hearty, robust foundation for the dish.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the chili layer, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
5. Gently place the crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese, creating a crisp, textured topping that will provide a delightful crunch when baked.
6. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
8. Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions or additional condiments to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose hot dogs with lower sodium content to control salt levels in the dish.
• Swap traditional hot dogs for plant-based or turkey versions to make the casserole lighter and more diet-friendly.
• Layer ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers for an extra kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 40mg