If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner, this Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining all the classic chili cheese dog flavors in a simple, one-dish casserole, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. With tender hot dogs, savory chili, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is packed with comforting goodness.

What makes this casserole so special is how easy it is to make with just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and tasty, but don’t have a lot of time to cook. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even game day.

I first made this Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole when I was craving the flavors of a chili cheese dog but wanted something a little less messy and easier to serve. It turned out to be such a hit that it’s now a regular on my dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it to your family or making it for a party, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table!

Why This Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite

• Quick and easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to make.
• Comforting and filling: The combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheese makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Family-friendly: This dish is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an ideal family meal.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings, adjust the spiciness of the chili, or make it your own with different kinds of cheese.
• Perfect for leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge and is great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.

What You Need For Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) chili (no beans)
• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
2. Prepare the hot dogs: Slice the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
3. Assemble the casserole: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. You can pinch the seams together if necessary to create one solid layer.
4. Add the chili: Pour the can of chili over the crescent dough, spreading it out evenly with a spoon. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of mustard or ketchup to the chili for extra flavor.
5. Add the hot dogs: Evenly distribute the sliced hot dogs over the chili layer.
6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot dogs and chili. You can also sprinkle with sliced green onions at this point if you like a bit of extra flavor.
7. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious chili cheese dog casserole!

Tips For Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, use spicy chili or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
• Add veggies: For a healthier version, add some diced onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use different cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses, for a different flavor profile.
• Meal prep: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use turkey or chicken hot dogs: For a leaner version, swap regular hot dogs for turkey or chicken hot dogs.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili for a meatless version of this casserole.
• Low-carb version: Skip the crescent roll dough and use a cauliflower crust or even a cheese-based crust for a low-carb alternative.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use low-fat cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat.
• Use a lighter chili: Choose a low-fat or no-bean chili for a healthier option.
• Increase the veggies: Add more vegetables, like chopped tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the casserole to boost its nutritional value.

Closing For Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

And there you have it! This Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the perfect comfort food for the whole family. With its combination of savory hot dogs, hearty chili, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate one-dish meal that everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game day, or a family gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit! Don’t forget to let us know how your casserole turns out, and check out more of our delicious, easy recipes for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use biscuit dough, pizza dough, or even frozen hash browns for the crust. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Can I make this casserole with vegetarian chili?
Absolutely! Use your favorite vegetarian chili and plant-based hot dogs for a meatless version of this dish.

Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, feel free to add extra toppings like jalapeños, sliced onions, or even sour cream for extra flavor.

Can I use beef hot dogs instead of regular ones?
Yes, you can use beef, turkey, chicken, or even veggie hot dogs in this casserole.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use different cheese?
Yes, you can swap the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Can I make a larger batch for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish.

Can I add beans to the chili?
Yes, you can add beans to the chili for extra texture and protein. You could use kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

What’s the best way to serve this casserole?
Serve this casserole with a side of cornbread, a simple salad, or extra toppings like salsa or guacamole.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! You can add chopped jalapeños to the chili or top the casserole with spicy hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Easy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Casserole, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces

• 1 can (15 oz) chili (no beans)

• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)

• 1 tbsp mustard (optional)

• 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
• Prepare the hot dogs: Slice the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
• Assemble the casserole: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. You can pinch the seams together if necessary to create one solid layer.
• Add the chili: Pour the can of chili over the crescent dough, spreading it out evenly with a spoon. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of mustard or ketchup to the chili for extra flavor.
• Add the hot dogs: Evenly distribute the sliced hot dogs over the chili layer.
• Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hot dogs and chili. You can also sprinkle with sliced green onions at this point if you like a bit of extra flavor.
• Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious chili cheese dog casserole!