Are you looking for a fun, delicious, and easy recipe that's perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy night in? This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is an ideal comfort food that combines the bold flavors of chili, cheesy goodness, and everyone’s favorite: hot dogs! With just a few ingredients and a simple prep process, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit. Read on for a detailed guide on how to make this tasty casserole, along with tips, substitutions, and answers to common questions.

What is a Chili Hot Dog Casserole?
A Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that combines all the components of a classic chili dog—juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, gooey cheese, and sometimes even a biscuit or cornbread topping—all layered together in a baking dish. It's a fun twist on two classic American favorites, hot dogs and chili, turned into a shareable casserole that's easy to make, serve, and enjoy.
Ingredients for Chili Hot Dog Casserole
To make this simple and delicious chili hot dog casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Hot Dogs - 8-10 hot dogs (any type you prefer: beef, pork, or veggie)
- Chili - 2 cans of chili with or without beans (or homemade chili if you have some on hand)
- Cheddar Cheese - 2 cups shredded (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- Biscuit Dough - 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (or 1 package of cornbread mix, if you prefer a cornbread topping)
- Onion - 1 small onion, diced (optional, for added flavor)
- Jalapeños - 1-2 sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Mustard - 2 tablespoon of yellow mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- Ketchup - 2 tablespoon of ketchup (optional, for sweetness)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
While the ingredients above make a delicious classic version, feel free to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:
- Hot Dogs: Swap out regular hot dogs for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian hot dogs if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Chili: If you're not a fan of canned chili, use homemade chili or try turkey or veggie chili for a healthier option.
- Cheese: Use any melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby, if you want to mix things up.
- Biscuit Dough: Instead of biscuit dough, you can use cornbread mix for a more Southern-style flavor.
- Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings, like crushed tortilla chips, green onions, or even sour cream for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these easy steps to make a Chili Hot Dog Casserole that’s sure to be a hit:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Add the Chili: Pour the chili over the hot dogs, spreading it evenly to cover them.
- Add Mustard and Ketchup (optional): Drizzle mustard and ketchup over the chili for added flavor.
- Top with Onion and Jalapeños (optional): Sprinkle diced onions and sliced jalapeños over the chili layer if you want extra flavor and spice.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili layer. Be generous, as this adds to the casserole's deliciousness!
- Top with Biscuit Dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and place the biscuits on top of the cheese layer. Make sure to space them out slightly as they will expand while baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Hot: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese and chili will be bubbly and delicious!
How to Cook Chili Hot Dog Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Chili Hot Dog Casserole is simple, but here’s a quick guide to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F for even baking.
- Layering is Key: Place the hot dogs first, then the chili, followed by toppings like onions, jalapeños, and cheese, and finally the biscuit dough.
- Cover if Needed: If the biscuits are browning too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Biscuits: If the biscuits start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Shredded cheese with additives may not melt as well, so use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier consistency.
- Forgetting to Grease the Pan: This casserole can stick if the baking dish isn’t properly greased, so don’t skip this step.
- Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes allows the cheese to set, making it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A hot and bubbly Chili Hot Dog Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more enjoyable:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro can add a fresh touch.
- Serve with Extra Condiments: Set out mustard, ketchup, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra flavor options.
- Add Crushed Tortilla Chips: For some crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the casserole after baking.
How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole
Serve this Chili Hot Dog Casserole straight out of the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation. You can spoon it onto plates or serve it family-style with large serving spoons, letting everyone scoop out their portion. For an even more festive feel, offer up small bowls so people can eat it with a spoon, like a hearty stew.
Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole
Make your Chili Hot Dog Casserole look as good as it tastes with these simple presentation tips:
- Sprinkle Fresh Herbs on Top: Just before serving, add some chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Place small bowls of mustard, ketchup, or sour cream on the side.
- Add Extra Cheese on Top: Melt a little extra cheese on top for a gooey finish.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Baking this casserole in a cast iron skillet adds a rustic, appealing look.
Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make this Chili Hot Dog Casserole the best it can be:
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or spicy chili and adding or omitting jalapeños.
- Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, mix some cheese into the chili layer before topping it with the shredded cheese.
- Serve with a Side Salad: To balance out the richness, consider serving this dish with a simple side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Q: Can I freeze Chili Hot Dog Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just bake it, let it cool, and then freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use homemade chili instead of canned chili?
A: Definitely. Homemade chili will add a personal touch and extra flavor. Just make sure it’s not too watery, as excess liquid can make the casserole soggy.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have biscuit dough?
A: You can use cornbread mix instead, or make your own biscuit dough from scratch.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn can add extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a cozy dinner at home. With juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, melty cheese, and a golden biscuit topping, this casserole will surely satisfy everyone at the table. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and can be customized to suit your taste. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to add to your collection. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
PrintEasy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines classic hot dogs, hearty chili, and melted cheese, baked into a bubbly, comforting dish. With minimal ingredients and a simple method, this recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings on busy weeknights. Ideal for families and those looking for a quick, cozy meal with all-American flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs, sliced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the chili evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place sliced hot dogs on top of the chili, spreading them evenly.
- Sprinkle cheese over the hot dogs and chili.
- Arrange the biscuit dough pieces on top, covering the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove, let cool slightly, garnish with green onions if desired, and serve warm
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
- Substitute cheddar with any preferred cheese blend.
- Serve with sour cream or extra cheese on top for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
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