Save A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format—perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I first cooked this chili dog casserole after a sports night, and my family absolutely loved how the flavors blended—plus, it was so easy to put together in one dish.
Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8 sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (about 450 g), homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g), shredded
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange buns:
- Arrange the halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Add hot dogs:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns.
- Add onion:
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the hot dogs.
- Add chili:
- Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture.
- Add cheese:
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
- Finish:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot.
Save This dish now shows up at birthday parties—my kids love helping layer the buns and hot dogs before baking together.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, knife and cutting board, small bowl for butter, pastry brush optional
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, dairy, and possible soy or gluten depending on brand—always verify ingredients for special diets.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 440, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 18 g
Save Sprinkle fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and enjoy straight from the oven—leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different cheeses for this dish?
Yes, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be great alternatives that alter the flavor profile while keeping the creamy texture.
- → What type of chili works best in this dish?
Both homemade and canned chili with or without beans work well, offering flexibility depending on personal preference.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Swap the beef hot dogs for plant-based alternatives and ensure the chili is meat-free to suit a vegetarian diet.
- → What is the best way to garnish this bake?
Fresh chives or green onions add brightness, while a dollop of sour cream offers a creamy contrast.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it convenient for meal planning.