If you’ve ever found yourself craving all the nostalgic flavors of a classic chili cheese dog but wanted something you could scoop and share, Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is your answer. This hearty, comforting bake layers robust homemade chili, juicy hot dogs, melty cheddar, and golden crescent roll dough for a fun twist on a ballpark favorite. It’s bubbly, cheesy, and sure to be the star of your next family dinner or game day gathering. Easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to bring everyone running to the table, this casserole is pure joy in every bite!

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such simple, everyday ingredients make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole taste so irresistible. Each component brings something unique: bold flavor, satisfying texture, and that unmistakable cheesy comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the beef and onions evenly, laying the foundation for the chili flavor.
Ground beef: The heart of the chili, providing savory depth and a satisfying bite.
Onion (diced): Sweetens and softens as it cooks, creating aromatic layers throughout the casserole.
Garlic (minced): Gives the chili a fragrant, savory boost that ties all the flavors together.
Chili powder: Delivers classic chili warmth and a gentle kick—essential for that signature taste.
Cumin: Adds earthy complexity and balances the tomato-rich sauce.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that makes the casserole taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Salt: Enhances every other ingredient, making the flavors pop.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
Tomato sauce: Gives the chili its rich, saucy base and tangy undertone.
Chili beans (drained): Offer creamy texture and extra body to the casserole, plus a hearty boost of flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and extra tomato flavor—don’t skip it!
Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami depth and complexity into the chili base.
Hot dogs (cut into thirds): The fun star of the dish—go with your favorite type Main Course, Casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection, uniting every layer with creamy richness.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Bakes up flaky and golden, creating that irresistible top crust.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens every serving.

How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes serving neat slices a breeze. Prepping your dish first means you can move quickly once your chili is ready, keeping all those wonderful flavors locked in.

Step 2: Make the Savory Chili Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, cooking them together until the beef is browned and the onion is tender—about 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, letting the spices bloom for a minute. Then pour in the tomato sauce, drained chili beans, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, just until it’s slightly thickened and all the flavors have mingled.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spoon half of your rich, meaty chili into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the hot dog pieces evenly on top, pressing them gently into the chili. Cover the hot dogs with the rest of the chili, making sure every bite will have that classic combo of beefy chili and juicy hot dog.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Crescent Roll Topping

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the chili and hot dog layers. Next, unroll your crescent dough and lay it over the top, pinching any seams together to form a single layer. This topping bakes into a golden crust that’s both flaky and buttery—absolutely delicious with the gooey cheese underneath!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent crust is puffed and golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for just a few minutes to melt. Finally, finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Garnishes

Take your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole over the top with classic garnishes. A dollop of sour cream, a handful of diced onions, or some sliced jalapeños all add flavor, texture, and a little extra flair. If you love spice, a few shakes of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños are fantastic too.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with crisp, cool sides. Try a simple green salad tossed in zippy vinaigrette, crunchy coleslaw, or even classic potato chips for that ultimate comfort food experience. For a heartier spread, serve with baked beans or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, scoop Chili Cheese Dog Casserole into individual ramekins or serve it as sliders with mini buns. It’s especially fun for kids when cut into squares and topped with extra cheese or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard—just like the classic hot dog experience, but in casserole form!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Chili Cheese Dog Casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole can be frozen, too! Once cooled, wrap the casserole tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so the texture stays just right.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until hot, or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the top needs a little crisping, uncover for the last few minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and parsley for a just-baked finish!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of hot dog?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based hot dogs, Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is flexible. Pick your favorite for the best flavor and texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is flavorful but mild, making it kid-friendly. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture, or serve with spicy garnishes.

Can I prepare Chili Cheese Dog Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the crescent dough topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the dough just before baking for the best texture.

What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, try using biscuit dough or even puff pastry for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust baking time as needed to ensure a golden, cooked topping.

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian hot dogs. Everything else stays the same, so you’ll still get all the comfort and flavor!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a bubbling dish of Chili Cheese Dog Casserole with the people you love. It’s the ultimate mashup of two classic comforts, and every bite delivers warm, cheesy happiness. Give this recipe a try—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting Chili Cheese Dog Casserole featuring a flavorful beef chili base, juicy hot dogs, melted cheddar cheese, and a flaky crescent roll topping. Perfect for an easy family dinner or game day meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Sauces

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15-ounce can tomato sauce
15-ounce can chili beans, drained
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Main Components

8 hot dogs, cut into thirds
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, sautéing briefly to release the aromas. Then add tomato sauce, drained chili beans, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the chili mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the hot dog pieces evenly on top, then cover with the remaining chili mixture. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Add the Crescent Roll Topping: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cover the chili and cheese layer completely, pinching the seams together to seal and create a crust.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crescent roll topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
You can substitute hot dogs with all-beef, turkey, or plant-based options to suit dietary preferences.
For an extra kick of spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chili mixture while cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American