If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or family gatherings, this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the answer. It combines classic chili and hot dogs with a cheesy, crispy topping for a hearty, comfort food dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal prep, making it a great choice when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole. Let’s get started!
What is Chili Hot Dog Casserole?
Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that combines sliced hot dogs with chili, cheese, and either cornbread or biscuit topping (depending on the variation), baked to perfection. It’s essentially like eating a chili dog in casserole form, with all the flavors and textures you love in one convenient dish. This recipe can be customized based on your preferences, making it versatile, easy to prepare, and a fun twist on traditional chili dogs.
Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 8-10 hot dogs: Use your favorite brand. You can use beef, turkey, or even plant-based hot dogs.
- 2 (15 oz) cans of chili: Use your favorite canned chili (with or without beans), or homemade if you prefer.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy layer on top.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits or 1 box cornbread mix: For the topping. Both options work well, so choose based on your preference.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and flavor (optional).
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: To boost the chili flavor.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sour cream: For a creamy topping.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby garnish.
- Pickled jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
- Hot sauce: For those who like extra heat.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences:
- Chili options: Use canned chili with or without beans, or make your own homemade chili if you prefer. You can also use veggie chili for a vegetarian version.
- Hot dogs: You can swap traditional hot dogs for turkey dogs, chicken sausages, or even plant-based hot dogs for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese choices: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Topping: You can use refrigerated biscuits or cornbread mix for the topping. Both create a delicious, crispy finish.
- Add-ins: Add sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or even black beans to the chili mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a flavorful and hearty Chili Hot Dog Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the hot dogs: Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Mix the chili and hot dogs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs with the chili, diced onion (if using), garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the chili and hot dog mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Topping
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili and hot dog mixture.
- Add the biscuit or cornbread topping:
- For biscuits: If using refrigerated biscuits, separate the biscuits and place them on top of the chili mixture, spacing them evenly. The biscuits will bake and become golden brown on top.
- For cornbread mix: If using cornbread mix, prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions, then pour it evenly over the chili and hot dog mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through (or until the cornbread topping is set and golden).
- Check for doneness: Check the casserole at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the biscuit or cornbread topping. It should come out clean, indicating the topping is fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Let it cool: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the casserole hot, topped with sour cream, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, or any of your favorite chili dog toppings.
How to Cook Chili Hot Dog Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick overview of how to make Chili Hot Dog Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Get your oven to 375°F for even cooking.
- Mix the hot dogs and chili: Combine the hot dogs, chili, and seasonings, and spread them in a baking dish.
- Add cheese and topping: Top the chili mixture with shredded cheese and either biscuits or cornbread mix.
- Bake: Bake until the biscuits are golden brown or the cornbread topping is fully set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chili Hot Dog Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not cooking the topping through: Whether you’re using biscuits or cornbread, make sure the topping is fully cooked before serving. If it’s browning too quickly on top but isn’t done inside, you can loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
- Overcooking the casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent overcooking the topping. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Skipping the seasoning: While the chili and hot dogs are flavorful, don’t forget to season the mixture with garlic powder, chili powder, and onion for an extra kick.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are a few ideas to serve and elevate your Chili Hot Dog Casserole:
- Serve with a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a fresh, green salad.
- Pair with chips and dip: Serve tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, or queso as an appetizer or side.
- Add extra toppings: Set up a topping bar with sour cream, hot sauce, jalapeños, and shredded lettuce so everyone can customize their casserole.
- Slice into portions: For a more polished presentation, slice the casserole into individual portions before serving.
How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole
This Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it in a variety of ways:
- Game day spread: Serve the casserole alongside other crowd-pleasers like nachos, sliders, or wings for game day gatherings.
- Family-style: Serve the casserole in the baking dish family-style, allowing everyone to dig in.
- Taco-style: For a fun twist, serve the casserole inside taco shells or tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce and salsa for a chili dog taco experience.
Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole
- Individual servings: Scoop individual portions onto plates and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions for a nice touch.
- Rustic serving: Serve the casserole in the baking dish with toppings arranged around it for a more rustic, family-style presentation.
- Toppings bar: Create a mini toppings bar where guests can add their favorite extras like jalapeños, onions, and cheese.
Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. Just add the biscuit or cornbread topping right before baking.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade chili for this recipe?
Yes! Homemade chili works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery, as that can affect the texture of the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use vegetarian chili and plant-based hot dogs to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time
?
Yes, you can prepare the chili and hot dog mixture a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and then add the biscuit or cornbread topping right before baking.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
5. What should I do if the biscuits or cornbread top is browning too quickly?
If the topping is browning too quickly before the casserole is fully cooked, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking until the topping is cooked through.
Conclusion
This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, game day parties, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious. With the flavors of classic chili dogs baked into a cheesy, crispy casserole, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s super easy to customize based on your preferences—whether you want to add more veggies, use your favorite chili, or swap the topping for biscuits or cornbread. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
PrintEasy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines hot dogs, chili, and cheese, all baked under a fluffy biscuit topping. A fun and comforting twist on classic chili dogs, this quick and easy casserole is perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal or game day. Simple ingredients come together for a flavorful, cheesy dish the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
- 1 can (15 oz) chili without beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the sliced hot dogs, both cans of chili, and mustard (if using).
- Pour the chili mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
- Place the biscuits on top of the cheese, leaving a little space between each biscuit.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve. Optional: Top with diced onions before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle the top with jalapeños or green onions before baking.
- You can substitute the hot dogs with smoked sausage or turkey dogs for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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