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Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

A hearty, cheesy, messy, and absolutely delicious twist on the classic chili cheese dog—baked into a comforting casserole.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili Base:

  • 1 ½ lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns (use slightly stale buns for better structure)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing buns)

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Crushed tortilla chips or extra cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chili Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thick and flavorful. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Buns and Dogs: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter the insides of each hot dog bun and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a hot dog in each bun.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the chili generously over and around each hot dog, filling in all the gaps. You want a nice layer both under and around the buns to bake into the dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface, covering the hot dogs completely for that cheesy crust.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the buns are slightly crispy on the edges.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with green onions, jalapeños, or crushed chips if desired. Serve with a fork and knife or eat like a messy chili dog—your call!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or bacon bits to the chili.
  • Use stale buns for better structure—they soak up the chili without getting soggy.
  • Leftovers reheat well—perfect for next-day lunch!
  • Author: Sabrine Jay
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, comfort food, easy bake