Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

A comforting, nostalgic casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog—savory chili, melty cheese, hearty hot dogs, and soft bread—baked together into one satisfying dish. I love how it transforms a beloved handheld treat into an easy-to-share, family-friendly crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this casserole brings together the best parts of a chili cheese dog in one hearty dish. It’s cheesy, meaty, and comforting, and I don’t have to fuss with buns or individual assembly. Plus, it’s done in one pan and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hot dog buns or soft dinner rolls, sliced or halved

• Hot dogs, sliced into bite-size pieces

• Ground beef or turkey

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Chili seasoning or chili powder blend

• Canned diced tomatoes (with mild green chiles optional)

• Kidney beans or pinto beans, drained (optional)

• Beef broth or water

• Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar–mozzarella blend)

• Pickled jalapeños or relish (optional)

• Butter or oil (for sautéing)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions (and garlic after onions soften) in butter or oil until translucent.

3. Add ground meat, season with salt, pepper, and chili seasoning; cook until browned and crumbly, then drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans (if using), and a bit of broth or water to loosen. Simmer for 5 minutes until lightly thickened.

5. Remove from heat and fold in sliced hot dogs.

6. Arrange hot dog buns or rolls in the casserole dish—cut-side up if halved, gently overlapping but covering the bottom.

7. Spoon the chili‑dog mixture over the buns, spreading evenly.

8. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top.

9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving; top with jalapeños or relish if desired.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves about 8 people.

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook and assemble: 15 minutes

• Bake: 15–20 minutes
  Total time is approximately 45 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty enough to satisfy any craving.

Variations

• I sometimes swap beans for corn or black beans for a southwestern twist.

• I blend cream cheese or sour cream into the chili topping for an extra creamy layer.

• I stir diced green chiles or salsa into the chili for added kick.

• I substitute hot dog pieces with diced smoked sausage or kielbasa for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake individual portions in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted again. Microwaving works too—about 2 minutes on medium heat—but the oven gives a better texture.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetarian hot dogs or smoked tofu—still hearty and full of flavor.

Do I need to use buns in the casserole?

No, you can skip the buns and serve the chili‑dog mixture over rice, pasta, or even fries for a deconstructed version.

Can this be frozen?

Yes—I let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, I thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350 °F oven until hot and cheesy.

What other toppings work well?

I love adding chopped onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of mustard or ketchup after baking for added freshness.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Conclusion

This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole hits all the nostalgic notes of a chili cheese dog but in easy, shareable form. It’s cheesy, meaty, and comforting—ideal for family dinners or game-day gatherings. I love how simple it is to make yet how satisfying it turns out—give it a try and enjoy all the flavors with none of the fuss!