Looking for a delicious, cheesy, and hearty meal that the whole family will love? This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole recipe is a fun twist on classic chili dogs, combining all the flavors you love into a baked, bubbly casserole. Juicy hot dogs, rich homemade chili, melted cheese, and buttery biscuits come together in a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or potlucks.
This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and makes a crowd-pleasing dinner in under an hour. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Variations and Customization Options
- What to Serve with Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
Easy & Quick: Ready in about 45 minutes.
One-Pan Meal: Less mess, less cleanup!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults will love it.
Perfect for Parties: A hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Loaded with Flavor: Cheesy, meaty, and perfectly seasoned. 
Ingredients You’ll Need For A Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
For the Casserole:
- 6-8 hot dogs, sliced
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing biscuits)
Step-by-Step Instructions For This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
Prepare the Chili
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Let the chili simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using kidney beans, stir them in during the last 5 minutes.
Slice and Arrange the Hot Dogs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the hot dogs into ½-inch pieces and mix them into the chili.
Add the Biscuits
- Transfer the chili and hot dog mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut the biscuits into quarters and scatter them over the top of the chili.
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter to help them turn golden brown.
Bake and Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Variations and Customization Options for Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
Spicy Version of a Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole:
Add diced jalapeños to the chili or use spicy hot dogs.
Bacon Lover’s Twist:
Add crumbled crispy bacon before baking.
Vegetarian Version Of A Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
Replace hot dogs with plant-based alternatives and use black beans instead of meat.
Cornbread Topping:
Swap biscuits for a cornbread mix for a Southern-style dish.
What to Serve with Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
French Fries or Tater Tots – For extra indulgence.
Side Salad – To balance out the richness.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – A classic chili pairing.
Root Beer or Lemonade – Perfect drinks to complement this meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips For A Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything (except biscuits), refrigerate overnight, and add biscuits before baking.
2. Can I use canned chili instead of homemade?
Absolutely, but homemade chili gives the best flavor!
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the chili on low for 4-6 hours, then transfer to an oven-safe dish, add biscuits, and bake.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are best, but you can use Pepper Jack for extra spice.
This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of classic chili dogs in a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying bake. Whether you’re serving it on game day, at a family dinner, or just craving a cozy meal, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
