Think chili. Think cheese. Think hot dogs. Now imagine all of that bubbling together in one delicious, over-the-top casserole. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole—a bold, comforting bake that’s as nostalgic as it is satisfying.
This dish brings the best of ballpark flavors straight to your dinner table, baked into a cheesy, hearty tray of goodness that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts.
Let’s break down what makes this casserole so irresistible, how to make it in a few easy steps, and how to tweak it based on your taste (or spice level).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is all about cozy comfort food with a playful twist. Here’s why it belongs in your recipe rotation:
🌭 Ultimate Comfort Combo – Hot dogs, chili, and cheddar? Yes, please.
🌭 Easy to Make – Brown, simmer, layer, and bake. That’s it.
🌭 Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Approved – A hit with picky eaters and hungry guests alike.
🌭 One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
🌭 Customizable Heat & Protein – Adjust the spice or use turkey dogs to suit your style.
Prep & Cook Time
Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty with minimal fuss:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for the magic:
- 8 beef or turkey hot dogs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Chili
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the drained kidney beans and stir everything together. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and rich.
2. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spoon a layer of the chili mixture across the bottom of the dish.
Nestle the hot dogs on top, laying them side by side in the chili base.
Spoon the rest of the chili over the hot dogs, covering them evenly.
Top the entire casserole generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Bake
Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
4. Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes to settle. Slice into big, satisfying portions, making sure each one has a full hot dog, plenty of chili, and a blanket of gooey cheese.
How to Serve It
✨ With Toasted Buns or Rolls – Scoop a portion right onto a soft roll for a chili dog sandwich feel.
✨ Over Fries – Turn it into chili cheese fries with a crispy base.
✨ With a Side of Slaw – Add crunch with a vinegar-based slaw for contrast.
✨ For Game Day – Serve with tortilla chips and let everyone scoop and snack.
Pro Tips
💡 Don’t Overcrowd the Hot Dogs – Give them a little space to soak in the chili.
💡 Use a Sharp Cheese – Sharp cheddar cuts through the richness for better flavor balance.
💡 Drain the Beans Well – Keeps your chili thick and not soupy.
💡 Spice It to Taste – Add cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the chili if you want more heat.
Variations to Try
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add chipotle powder or chopped green chilies to the chili mix.
🫘 Bean-Free Option – Skip the beans if you want a smoother chili texture.
🧀 Cheese Bomb – Mix cream cheese or shredded pepper jack into the chili for extra creaminess.
🌭 Mini Dogs – Use cocktail hot dogs for a party-ready version.
🌽 Add Corn – Stir in a cup of corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
Storage & Reheating
📦 Store Leftovers – Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat in the Oven – Warm in a baking dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly again.
❄️ Freezer Friendly? – Yes! Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and label. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use veggie dogs or plant-based beef?
Yes! This recipe works great with plant-based meat and meatless hot dogs.
Do I need to pre-cook the hot dogs?
Nope—they’ll heat through fully in the oven as they bake in the chili.
Can I add toppings like onions or pickles?
Definitely! Add chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of mustard after baking for fun chili dog flair.
Final Thoughts
🌭🧀 This Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole is a nostalgic, no-fuss bake that combines two comfort food icons into one epic dinner. It’s gooey, saucy, and built to satisfy—even better with a cold drink and a hungry crowd.
Perfect for family dinners, weekend cravings, or whenever you want to feed a crew with something hearty and fun. Grab a fork and dig in—this one disappears fast. 🔥