If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the nostalgic flavors of classic American favorites, then this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy slices of hot dogs mingling with rich chili, all baked under a golden blanket of fluffy biscuits and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy that’s bound to satisfy the whole family and bring back those cozy dinner vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe such a winner. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that together creates a dish full of delicious, comforting goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic to build a fragrant base.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the chili.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that aromatic punch every hearty dish needs.
- 1 pound ground beef: The meaty backbone that makes this casserole filling and satisfying.
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (undrained): Boosts flavor and texture, plus it keeps things saucy.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Gives the chili a smooth, tangy richness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds mild heat and that unmistakable chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy tones to the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle kick.
- 8 beef hot dogs (sliced into 1-inch pieces): The star ingredient giving that classic chili cheese dog feel.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): Creates a golden, fluffy topping that’s simply irresistible.
- Chopped green onions and sour cream for garnish (optional): Freshens up the dish and adds creamy contrast.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let that cook for just 30 seconds. This step creates a fragrant, flavorful base that sets the tone for the entire casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. This process develops rich meaty flavors crucial for the chili mixture. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
Step 3: Build the Chili Base
Now it’s time to bring all the chili flavors together. Stir in the chili beans (with their sauce), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so all those spices meld beautifully and the sauce thickens just a touch.
Step 4: Add the Sliced Hot Dogs
Gently fold in the sliced hot dogs, making sure they are evenly distributed within the chili. This addition brings that nostalgic hot dog flavor right into your casserole, blending wonderfully with the chili sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chili and hot dog mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then take your refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Scatter these biscuit pieces evenly over the chili mixture to create a soft, pillowy topping once baked.
Step 6: Bake until Golden
Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. After removing the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and return it to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey delight.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the perfect moment to add chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if you like, which add freshness and creaminess to balance the rich casserole.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, try topping each portion with freshly chopped green onions and a generous spoonful of sour cream. These garnishes provide a lively hit of color and a cool, tangy contrast against the warm, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light, crisp side to balance the richness. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed veggies seasoned with lemon and herbs for freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions. You can also try layering the chili mixture with the biscuits in a deep dish for a more structured look. A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or even a dollop of guacamole on top adds unexpected flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its flavor beautifully and is perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Wrap leftovers tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal ready to go, it’s a real time saver.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Microwave works too for a quicker fix, just be mindful to cover it to avoid drying out the biscuits.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and hot dogs for plant-based meat alternatives or even extra beans and veggies. The flavors remain hearty and satisfying, perfect for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
Crescent roll dough is a great substitute if you want a flakier, buttery topping. Otherwise, homemade biscuit dough works wonderfully too if you like baking from scratch.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder and cumin give it a mild warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add the cheese topping right before baking for the best melty effect.
How many does this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe serve?
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Whether it’s for a fun family meal or a cozy night in, the layers of flavor and easy preparation make it an instant classic. Warm, cheesy, and packed with nostalgic goodness, this casserole is truly a dish that brings everyone together around the table.
Print
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Combining savory ground beef, smoky hot dogs, and a flavorful chili bean sauce, topped with fluffy biscuit pieces and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole offers a delicious twist on classic chili dogs in an easy-to-make baked meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Canned Goods & Sauces
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream for garnish (optional)
Baking
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to avoid large chunks. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Chili Mixture: Stir in the undrained chili beans, 15-ounce tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Hot Dogs: Stir in the sliced hot dogs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chili mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chili and hot dog mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly over the chili mixture to cover the surface.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Serve and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of this casserole.
- Add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
- Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough for a flakier topping texture.
