Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make, look no further than this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole! This mouthwatering casserole combines the bold flavors of chili with classic hot dogs, all baked together under a layer of melted cheese and flaky biscuits. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your apron and read on to discover how to make this delicious chili hot dog casserole from scratch, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions!

What Is a Chili Hot Dog Casserole?

A Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a delightful combination of two classic American comfort foods: chili and hot dogs. The dish typically layers sliced hot dogs, a savory chili mixture (either homemade or store-bought), and a cheesy, baked topping, like biscuits or cornbread. The result is a warm, hearty, and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Think of it as a chili dog in casserole form—only better because it’s all cooked in one dish!

Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Chili Hot Dog Casserole. Don’t worry if you’re missing a couple of ingredients—there are plenty of substitution options, and we'll talk about those later!

• 8 hot dogs (your choice of beef, pork, or even chicken franks)
• 1 can of chili (about 15 oz, with or without beans—your preference!)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend if you like variety)
• 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz, or substitute with cornbread mix)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions or fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences, the ingredients you have on hand, or your family’s taste. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Hot Dogs: While classic beef hot dogs work great, you can swap them for turkey dogs, chicken sausages, or even plant-based hot dogs to make this casserole more health-conscious or vegetarian.
• Chili: If you prefer homemade chili, go for it! If you want to save time, a canned chili (with or without beans) will still taste fantastic. You could also use chili con carne for a meaty version or vegetarian chili for a plant-based meal.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a mild mozzarella.
• Biscuits: If you prefer a sweeter or more corn-forward flavor, you can use a boxed cornbread mix in place of the biscuit dough. This will give the casserole a slightly different but equally delicious texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering Chili Hot Dog Casserole in just under an hour.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Prepare the hot dogs: Slice your hot dogs into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks). You can either leave the skin on or remove it depending on your preference.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili base.
4. Heat the chili: Add the canned chili to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the optional chili powder and cumin to give the dish a little more spice and smoky flavor. Cook the mixture for 5–6 minutes until heated through.
5. Layer the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the sliced hot dogs at the bottom. Pour the chili mixture over the hot dogs, spreading it evenly across the dish.
6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chili and hot dog layer.
7. Add biscuits: Pop open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and place the biscuits on top of the cheese layer. Try to space them out evenly so they bake properly and get golden brown.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.

How to Cook Chili Hot Dog Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the cooking process:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
4. Heat the chili in the same skillet and add optional spices for extra flavor.
5. Layer hot dogs in the baking dish, followed by the chili mixture.
6. Top with cheese and biscuits.
7. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is easy, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Underbaking the biscuits: Make sure the biscuits on top are fully baked. Underbaking can result in soggy biscuits, so check for a golden brown crust before removing the casserole from the oven.
• Using cold chili: Make sure your chili is heated through before adding it to the casserole. Cold chili can prevent the dish from cooking evenly and delay the baking process.
• Overloading with toppings: While it’s tempting to add a lot of cheese or other toppings, too much can make the casserole greasy or prevent the biscuits from rising properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, even for a simple, cozy dish like this one. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

• Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the biscuits are warm.
• Slice and serve: Use a large spoon or spatula to slice into the casserole and serve it in generous squares. Each slice should include layers of hot dogs, chili, cheese, and biscuit topping.
• Garnish for freshness: A sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro on top adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich and hearty casserole.
• Serve with sides: Round out the meal with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or some tortilla chips and guacamole for dipping.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Want to impress your guests? Here are a few creative ways to present your Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

• Cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homey presentation, bake and serve the casserole straight from a cast iron skillet.
• Individual portions: For a fun twist, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins or mini skillets, so everyone gets their own serving.
• Topping bar: Set up a topping bar with extras like sour cream, jalapeños, hot sauce, and diced avocado, so everyone can customize their own serving.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Chili Hot Dog Casserole possible:

• Prep ahead: You can make the chili and slice the hot dogs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
• Double the recipe: This casserole is great for feeding a crowd. You can easily double the recipe and use a larger baking dish to serve more people.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time (up to one day in advance) and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Q: Can I freeze Chili Hot Dog Casserole?
A: Absolutely. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use homemade chili?
A: Yes, homemade chili works great in this recipe! Just make sure it’s not too watery, as a thicker chili will hold up better in the casserole.

Conclusion

This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—chili and hot dogs—into one warm, cheesy, and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you need a dish that’s simple to make but big on flavor. With the flexibility to customize the ingredients to suit your taste, this casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Give it a try, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and presentation!

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delicious, hassle-free Chili Hot Dog Casserole tonight!

Print