If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgic flavors with family-friendly convenience, look no further than Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners. This comforting casserole brings together all the best parts of a classic chili cheese dog—savory beef, zesty chili, tender hot dogs, golden biscuits, and gooey cheddar—into one bubbling, irresistible bake. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to spark smiles around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this casserole is a building block that creates a harmony of bold flavors and inviting textures. These simple staples transform into something special—the secret is how each one plays its part!
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness as you sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their sweetness.
- Chopped yellow onion: Provides savory depth and a hint of sweetness at the base of your casserole.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Just the right amount of garlicky punch to lift all the other flavors.
- Ground beef: The hearty backbone of this dish that keeps everyone satisfied—try a lean blend for less excess fat.
- Canned chili (with or without beans): The shortcut superstar—a can of chili brings spiced, saucy character without all-day simmering.
- Hot dogs, sliced: Classic fun, chopped into bite-sized pieces for that unmistakable chili cheese dog flavor in every forkful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into bubbles of golden, gooey goodness—feel free to use sharp or mild according to your preference.
- Chili powder: Layers in warm spice for that signature chili kick.
- Cumin: A subtle, earthy flavor that rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors—taste and adjust as needed!
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: The fluffy, golden topper that transforms this casserole into a comfort food dream.
- Chopped green onions (optional): A pop of color and fresh bite for garnish—totally optional, always tasty.
- Cooking spray: Helps your casserole lift easily from the baking dish for perfect servings.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole comes out perfectly golden and easy to serve when it’s time to dig in.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped yellow onion until it’s soft and just beginning to turn translucent, about three minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let everything cook together for another 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the skillet next. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. After there’s no pink left, drain any excess fat—this helps keep your casserole just rich enough without becoming greasy.
Step 4: Build the Chili Base
Stir in the canned chili and sliced hot dogs. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix and let it simmer for five minutes, so those flavors can really get cozy together. The kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Carefully pour the beef and hot dog mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Now, cut each biscuit in half and place the pieces evenly over the top. It doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is best here! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the biscuits for that signature golden, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for biscuits that are gorgeously golden and cooked through with cheese melted and bubbling. Resist the urge to peek too often—let the oven work its magic!
Step 7: Add Freshness and Serve
When time’s up, pull your casserole from the oven. If you like, scatter a handful of chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving hot—everyone will be eagerly waiting!
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners
Garnishes
This chili cheese dog casserole is made for toppings! Try a dollop of sour cream, extra green onions, sliced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. Each garnish brings a playful twist and lets everyone at the table customize their own plate.
Side Dishes
While this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a sweet coleslaw—anything fresh and vibrant will balance the richness of the Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
You can portion out the casserole into ramekins for individual servings, or even spoon the hot mixture over baked potatoes for a fun twist. Let each guest top their bowl with their favorite extras for a build-your-own casserole bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just let the casserole cool completely before covering and storing—it’ll taste just as delicious for lunch or another dinner later this week.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into smaller containers. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results—great for busy nights when you need dinner, fast!
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. The microwave is a quick option, too—just heat individual portions on high for a couple of minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Wait to add the cheese until just before baking to keep the biscuits crisp and melty.
What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap in a plant-based ground “meat,” use vegetarian hot dogs, and choose a meatless canned chili—it’ll be just as hearty, flavorful, and family-approved!
How can I add more spice?
If your family loves a little heat, stir in diced jalapeños, use hot chili, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper during the chili base step. You can also top with your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Can I substitute another cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mozzarella-cheddar blend are all melty, delicious choices. Mixing different cheeses can make your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners uniquely yours.
What’s the best way to ensure the biscuits cook through?
Make sure to cut the biscuits in half and arrange them evenly so they’re not touching too closely. If the tops brown quickly before the biscuits are done inside, loosely cover with foil partway through baking.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion to try Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners—it’s perfect for any weeknight when you want comfort, flavor, and fun all in one dish. Round up your favorite people, serve this bubbly bake, and make some delicious memories at the table!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic hot dog with this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. This easy-to-make dish combines ground beef, hot dogs, chili, and cheese, all baked together for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups canned chili (with or without beans)
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onions in olive oil until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in chili, hot dog slices, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef and hot dog mixture in the baking dish. Place biscuit halves evenly over the mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are golden and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Top with green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey for a lighter version or opt for plant-based hot dogs for a vegetarian twist.
- To add heat, include chopped jalapeños with the onions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
