Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole
Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole combines the beloved flavors of chili dogs into a warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring hot dogs, hearty chili, gooey cheddar cheese, and soft buns, it’s an easy, family-friendly dish that offers nostalgic taste with simple ingredients and customizable options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bun substitution)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs (beef or turkey), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (about 15 oz) chili (canned or homemade, thick consistency)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 stale hot dog buns, torn into chunks
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and dice the onions. Tear stale hot dog buns into chunks. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Assemble the Base Layers: Grease a casserole dish and layer half of the torn buns evenly to form an absorbent base. Spread half of the chili over the buns, then top with half the diced onions and hot dog pieces, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Repeat: Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer. Repeat the layering with the remaining buns, chili, onions, and hot dogs. Finish with a thick layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top to ensure a golden, gooey crust.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the casserole is heated through. The buns should be soft but maintain their shape.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle with mustard. Sprinkle with jalapeños or extra fresh onions if desired. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use day-old buns for better absorption without sogginess.
- Mix cheddar with mozzarella cheese for creaminess and great melt.
- Ensure chili is thick to avoid a watery casserole; drain excess liquid if needed.
- Layer ingredients evenly for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to improve texture and help it hold shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chili dog casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, sausage casserole, easy dinner, family meal, make ahead casserole
Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/cheesy-chili-dog-casserole/