Name: Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 hot dogs; 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans); 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, chopped (optional); 1 tsp mustard (optional)

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious dish that combines two all-American favorites—hot dogs and chili—then you’re in the right place! This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, game days, or potlucks. Packed with flavor and loaded with cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to make this a hit at your next meal.

What is a Chili Hot Dog Casserole?

A Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that layers juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, and a generous amount of cheese, all in a casserole format. The combination of these flavors creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to throw together. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this comforting Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

Hot Dogs: 8-10 beef or pork hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Canned Chili: 2 cans of your favorite chili, either with or without beans (about 15 oz each).
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or any cheese blend of your choice.
Biscuit Dough: 1 package of pre-made biscuit dough (usually found in the refrigerated section).
Onions: 1 small onion, diced (optional for added flavor).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (optional).
Jalapeños: 1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat).
Sour Cream: For serving (optional topping).
Green Onions: Sliced, for garnish (optional).
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

These ingredients form the basis for a simple but delicious casserole. The combination of cheesy, savory hot dogs with rich chili and fluffy biscuit dough makes this a go-to meal that everyone will love.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Chili Hot Dog Casserole recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

Hot Dogs: If you're not a fan of hot dogs, you can substitute them with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even vegetarian hot dogs. Turkey or chicken hot dogs are a lighter alternative.
Chili: If you prefer homemade chili, feel free to whip up a batch of your own. You can also use a turkey or vegetarian chili for a healthier option.
Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Biscuit Dough: Instead of biscuit dough, you can use cornbread mix for a slightly sweeter casserole. Crescent roll dough or even puff pastry also works for a flakier texture.
Additional Ingredients: Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture. If you're a spice lover, throw in some extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process so you can easily make this tasty casserole in your own kitchen:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly.
Prepare the hot dogs by slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the onions and garlic in a small pan with a bit of oil for extra flavor (optional).
Layer the hot dogs in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Pour the chili evenly over the hot dogs.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chili, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Top with biscuit dough by laying pieces of dough on top of the cheese. If you're using crescent rolls or cornbread mix, spread it evenly over the entire dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

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

Here’s a more detailed guide to ensure you nail this recipe:

Slice the Hot Dogs: Cutting the hot dogs into small pieces allows for even distribution throughout the casserole. It also makes it easier to serve.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: While this step is optional, sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to the flavor. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant.
Layer Hot Dogs and Chili: Make sure the hot dog pieces are evenly spread out in the casserole dish. Then, pour the chili over the top, ensuring it covers all the hot dogs.
Add Cheese: The more cheese, the better! A thick layer of cheddar cheese gives the casserole a rich, creamy texture.
Top with Dough: Biscuit dough works perfectly for this recipe because it bakes into a fluffy, golden crust. However, cornbread or crescent rolls can give the casserole a different but equally delicious texture.
Bake and Cool: Make sure the biscuit dough is fully baked before removing the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes so that the casserole holds its shape when served.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not preheating the oven: Starting with a cold oven can result in unevenly cooked casserole. Always preheat!
Overloading with chili: Too much chili can make the casserole soggy. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure the perfect texture.
Skipping the cheese: Cheese is essential for holding the casserole together. Don’t skimp on it!
Undercooking the biscuit dough: Make sure the dough is fully baked through to avoid a raw, doughy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make a big difference, especially when serving this casserole at a gathering. Here are a few ideas to elevate the dish:

Serve with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds a nice tang and creaminess.
Add Fresh Garnishes: Chopped green onions or cilantro can add color and a burst of freshness.
Serve with a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad on the side can balance out the richness of the casserole.
Offer Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, provide a few hot sauce options like Tabasco or Sriracha to customize the heat level.

How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish that stands well on its own, but it pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas:

With Cornbread: Serve with a slice of warm cornbread to complement the chili and hot dogs.
Over Rice: Spoon the casserole over a bed of rice for an even more filling meal.
With a Side of Chips: Tortilla chips or potato chips add a nice crunch and are great for dipping into the cheesy chili.
Alongside Veggies: Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to lighten up the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

For a fun and festive presentation, consider these options:

Cast-Iron Skillet: Serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, cozy feel.
Individual Portions: Make mini-casseroles in small ramekins for a more personalized touch.
Garnish Platter: Create a topping station with sour cream, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions so guests can customize their servings.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe Tips

Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, doubling the recipe and baking in a larger dish is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready.

Q: Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Homemade chili will give the dish a richer, more personalized flavor.

Q: How long does this casserole last?
A: It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Conclusion

This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful, hearty meal ready for your family or guests. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to try out the variations and serving suggestions to make it your own!