Save A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format—perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I made this casserole for a football party and it quickly became everyone's favorite dish, disappearing before halftime. Guests kept asking for the recipe because it's such a comforting twist on chili dogs.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (about 450 g), homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g)
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Fresh chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange buns:
- Place halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Layer hot dogs:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns.
- Add onion:
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the hot dogs.
- Top with chili:
- Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture.
- Cheese layer:
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids love helping layer the casserole, and it's always a hit at our family potlucks—earning plenty of second servings and big smiles at the table.
Required Tools
You will need a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, a knife and cutting board, a small bowl for melting butter, and a pastry brush for coating the buns.
Notes
Swap the hot dogs for turkey or plant-based options for a lighter or vegetarian casserole. You can substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for more flavor variety.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 440 calories, 26 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save This chili dog casserole is sure to please at your next dinner or game day—just serve it hot and watch the smiles.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use turkey or plant-based options?
Yes, turkey or plant-based hot dogs can substitute the beef variety for lighter or vegetarian preferences.
- → What cheese works best in this bake?
Cheddar provides a classic flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses are great alternatives for varied taste.
- → How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease a 9x13-inch dish and arrange halved hot dog buns cut-side up, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with garlic powder.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
The layers can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve for convenience.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream enhance the flavors and add freshness.