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Ultra-Melt Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser


  • Author: Jonathan Miller
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Pure comfort in one dish—juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, and gooey cheese all baked together. Perfect for game night or a cozy dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1012 turkey or beef hot dogs
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Nonstick spray
  • 9x13-inch glass baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, sauté the onion in a bit of oil until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick.
  4. Spray baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread chili mixture evenly in the dish.
  5. Lay hot dogs whole on top of the chili in tight, even rows.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella first, then cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use lean beef to avoid excess grease. Shredding your own cheese improves melt quality. Don’t skip the mustard—it adds a balancing tang.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chili cheese dog, casserole, comfort food, game day, one pan dinner