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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared dish with hot dogs, arranging them in neat, parallel rows to create a uniform base for the casserole.
- Carefully distribute the chili evenly over the hot dogs, ensuring complete coverage and creating a hearty, robust foundation for the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the chili layer, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
- Gently place the crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese, creating a crisp, textured topping that will provide a delightful crunch when baked.
- 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.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- 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