Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering easy chili hot dog casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers with minimal prep time.

Kids and adults alike will devour every single bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheese melts into rich chili, creating a gooey blanket over perfectly cooked hot dogs.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with just a few quick steps.

Let’s uncover the secret to making this irresistible casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Store and Reheat Chili Hot Dog Casserole Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

What Goes with Chili Hot Dog Casserole

  • Savor Spicy Beer Pairing: Ice-cold craft beer with hoppy notes perfectly cuts through the rich, hearty casserole flavors, balancing its spiciness and providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Complement Classic Soda: Crisp cola or root beer creates a nostalgic diner-style experience, its sweet carbonation softening the dish's bold chili and jalapeño heat.
  • Enhance Tangy Coleslaw Side: Fresh, creamy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing adds bright acidity and crunchy texture, offsetting the casserole's heavy, meaty profile and cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Cool Cucumber Salad Match: Light, herbed cucumber salad with a zesty dressing provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy casserole, creating a balanced and satisfying meal combination.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole with Creative Serving Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or cornbread mix. Use gluten-free hot dogs and check chili ingredients for gluten content.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap hot dogs with plant-based sausages or vegetarian hot dogs. Use vegetarian chili or bean-based chili alternative. Top with dairy-free cheese for vegan option.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute crescent dough with thin layer of cauliflower crust or almond flour base. Replace hot dogs with low-carb sausage links. Use low-carb chili or create meat sauce with fewer carbohydrates.
  • Spicy Heat Boost: Add extra jalapeños or include diced serrano peppers. Mix hot sauce into chili for increased kick. Sprinkle cayenne pepper over cheese for additional heat intensity.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of hot dogs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of hot dogs like beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking.

  • Is it okay to skip the jalapeños if my family doesn't like spicy food?

Absolutely! You can omit jalapeños completely or substitute with bell peppers for a milder flavor without changing the core recipe.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate, but add the crescent dough and cheese just before baking to prevent sogginess. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if assembling from cold.

  • What kind of chili works best for this recipe?

Canned chili with beans or homemade chili both work great. Use your favorite style – beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili will all deliver delicious results.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Brings Big Flavor In One Pan

Quick Family Feast: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will devour in minutes.

Minimal Prep Delight: Just slice, layer, and bake – no complex cooking techniques required, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels by adding or removing jalapeños, swap cheeses, or include different toppings to match family preferences.

Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients like hot dogs and canned chili, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Chili Dog Casserole Ingredient Details

Main Protein and Bread Base:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic protein that brings traditional hot dog flavor to the casserole.
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky base that creates a delicious bread layer for the casserole.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chili with Beans: Hearty sauce that provides rich, spicy base and extra protein.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Optional Toppings:
  • Onion, Jalapenos: Fresh ingredients that provide extra crunch and spicy kick. Choose fresh, crisp onions and jalapenos for best flavor and texture.

Chili Hot Dog Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Spread The Chili Base

Pour and smooth out the chili across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Prepare Hot Dogs

  • Hot dogs

Slice each hot dog lengthwise down the center and gently lay them across the chili layer.

Step 4: Add Zesty Toppings

  • Onions
  • Jalapeños

Sprinkle chopped onions and jalapeños over the hot dogs for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 5: Create A Crescent Blanket

Carefully unroll the crescent dough and drape it completely over the entire dish, covering all the ingredients.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crescent dough turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Remove the dish from the oven and generously scatter cheese across the top.

Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 8: Serve And Devour

Let the casserole cool for a few moments, then cut into portions and enjoy this comfort food masterpiece.

Chili Dog Casserole – Tips For Baking Without Sog

  • Adjust jalapeño amount or remove seeds to control heat intensity for sensitive palates.
  • Pat hot dogs dry before placing them in the dish to avoid excess moisture and maintain crispy texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
  • Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.
  • Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or cornbread topping to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets celebration in this irresistible Chili Hot Dog Casserole, blending hearty flavors with classic American diner nostalgia. Layers of savory chili, melted cheese, and crispy hot dogs create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chili with beans
  • 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings (Optional):

  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a hearty comfort meal.
  2. Generously coat the bottom of a baking dish with a robust layer of chili, creating a savory foundation.
  3. Carefully split each hot dog down the center, revealing their tender interior.
  4. Artfully arrange the split hot dogs atop the chili, creating a uniform layer of meaty goodness.
  5. Scatter crisp diced onions and zesty jalapeños across the hot dogs, adding a burst of flavor and texture.
  6. Gently unroll the crescent dough, draping it smoothly over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dough to transform into a golden, puffy blanket for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  8. Remove the casserole and generously cascade shredded cheese over the top, returning it to the oven for a final 5-minute melting session.
  9. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, letting the flavors meld and cheese settle, before serving this irresistible comfort creation.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using mild/spicy chili for different flavor intensities.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like using gluten-free crescent rolls or cornbread topping for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Enhance nutritional value by incorporating diced bell peppers or mixing lean ground turkey into the chili for a protein boost.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend to create unique flavor profiles that complement the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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