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 made this casserole for my family last fall when we wanted something cozy but fun for dinner. The combination of melty cheese, beefy hot dogs, and rich chili became an instant hit—everyone went back for seconds!
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 (optional): 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh
- Sour cream (optional): 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- 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 My kids loved scooping out their own portion and adding extra sour cream. This dish quickly became part of our regular rotation, especially when guests come over for a casual dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables for some tang alongside the rich, cheesy casserole.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat from buns, dairy from cheese and butter, and possibly soy and gluten in the chili or hot dogs—always review ingredients if serving to those with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 440 calories, 26 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein—great for a filling meal.
Save This casserole is always a hit and can be made ahead for busy weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!
Recipe Help
- → Can I use plant-based sausages in this dish?
Yes, plant-based hot dogs can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version without altering the baking process.
- → What cheese alternatives work well here?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses provide different flavor profiles while melting similarly to cheddar.
- → How do I ensure the buns don’t get soggy?
Brushing the bun halves with melted butter before layering helps create a moisture barrier, keeping them firm during baking.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking as directed.
- → What sides pair well with this cheesy chili dog bake?
Fresh green salads or crisp vegetables complement the rich, savory flavors and add balance to the meal.