The Ultimate Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chili hot dog casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Hearty flavors burst through every single bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet satisfying meal.

The combination of classic hot dogs smothered in rich chili creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese adds a golden, gooey layer that transforms this casserole into an irresistible treat.

Families and friends will love this casserole.

Ways To Dish Up Chili Hot Dog Casserole

• Game Night Feast: Perfect for hungry sports fans and casual gatherings with friends.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy casserole that delivers nostalgic diner-style flavors everyone loves.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner: Easy meal that transforms typical hot dogs into something more exciting and satisfying for children.
• Weeknight Meal Savior: Quick preparation makes this dish ideal for busy families needing a fast, delicious dinner solution.

Storing & Reheating That Cheesy Goodness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Hot dogs, cheese, and a simple casserole make this a crowd-pleaser for children who love comfort food with familiar flavors.

• Can I use different types of hot dogs?

Yes, you can use beef, turkey, or vegetarian hot dogs based on your preference or dietary needs. Each type will work well in this recipe.

• How do I prevent the crescent dough from getting soggy?

Ensure you layer the chili and cheese carefully, and avoid adding too much liquid. Pre-baking the crescent dough for a few minutes can also help create a crispier top.

• What if I don't have crescent dough?

No problem! You can substitute with pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even a layer of cornbread mix for a similar effect.

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole: Family-Style Winner

• Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a satisfying meal in minimal time with simple ingredients and straightforward assembly, perfect for busy families craving comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine classic hot dog and chili elements into one delicious casserole that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and tasty.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the dish by adding favorite toppings like jalapeños, onions, or extra cheese, transforming a basic recipe into a unique family favorite.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a hearty meal using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it an economical dinner option.

What Goes In: Hot Dog Casserole Ingredients

• Hot Dogs: Savory sausages that provide the classic protein base for this comfort dish.
• Canned Chili: Hearty sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts perfectly and creates a gooey, delicious topping.

• Crescent Dough, Biscuit Dough: Soft, flaky topping that creates a golden crust for the casserole.

• Onions, Mustard, Pickled Jalapeños: Zesty additions that enhance the overall flavor and add a fresh, tangy kick to the dish.

Casserole Build: Hot Dog Edition

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Create Hot Dog Base

Grab your baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray.

Slice hot dogs into diagonal pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Drench With Chili

Pour the entire can of zesty chili directly over the hot dog slices, making sure every bit gets covered in saucy goodness.

Step 4: Shower With Cheese

Generously blanket the chili layer with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty, gooey surface.

Step 5: Top With Dough Blanket

Carefully unroll your crescent or biscuit dough and gently lay it across the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown dough top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 7: Add Final Flavor Boosters

• Diced fresh onions
• Drizzle of mustard
• Chopped pickled jalapeños

Slice, serve, and enjoy your ultimate comfort meal!

Top Tips For Casserole Night Success

• Use a reliable oven thermometer to ensure precise 375°F for perfect golden-brown crescent dough.
• Pat hot dogs dry before layering to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp base.
• Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling for more even melting and better coverage.
• Distribute chili and cheese evenly to guarantee every bite has delicious taste and texture.
• Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Hot Dog Casserole: Fun Flavor Combos

• Vegetarian Chili Delight: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or chopped vegetable protein crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or cornbread topping instead of regular dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the top for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute hot dogs with grilled chicken strips and use a cauliflower or zucchini-based topping instead of dough for a lower-carbohydrate option.

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Chili Hot Dog Casserole, blending hearty flavors and classic American diner vibes. Cheesy, spicy layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Category:

• 8 hot dogs
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) chili

Dairy and Cheese Category:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tube (8 ounces / 226 grams) crescent roll dough

Seasoning and Flavor Category:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Green onions, chopped
• Jalapeños, sliced
• Pickles, chopped
• Tortilla chips, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F, preparing a greased baking dish for the casserole assembly.
2. Arrange sliced hot dogs in a uniform single layer covering the entire bottom of the dish.
3. Distribute canned chili evenly across the hot dog layer, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Create a generous cheese blanket by sprinkling shredded cheddar over the chili surface.
5. Carefully stretch and lay crescent or biscuit dough across the entire casserole, sealing the edges.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough transforms into a golden brown crust and the filling begins to bubble dramatically.
7. Remove from oven and enhance the dish with optional garnishes like crisp diced onions, tangy mustard drizzles, and spicy pickled jalapeños for added zest.

Notes

• Swap hot dogs for plant-based alternatives to create a vegetarian version that maintains the same hearty flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium canned chili or making homemade chili with fresh ingredients and controlled salt levels.
• Add extra texture and nutrition by mixing in diced bell peppers or black beans directly into the chili layer for more depth.
• Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or create a crispy topping with crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg