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Hearty Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

Hearty Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty chili cheese dog casserole brings comfort food nostalgia to classic American dinner tables. Layers of hot dogs, melted cheese, and zesty chili create a satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings and weekend family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 hot dogs
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chili (homemade or canned)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or favorite cheese blend)
  • 8 hot dog buns, split open
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried parsley (optional)
  • diced onions
  • pickled jalapenos
  • mustard or ketchup

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Activate the oven to a commanding 375F (190C), establishing the ideal thermal landscape for this comfort-driven culinary adventure.
  2. Protein Preparation: Slice hot dogs into enticing bite-sized segments, optionally caramelizing them in a skillet to unlock a deeper, smoky complexity.
  3. Chili Creation: Develop a robust chili base by combining ground meat, beans, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, and complementary spices, simmering the mixture to concentrate its flavor dimensions for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly melded.
  4. Layering Foundation: Spread the aromatic chili across a well-greased baking dish, strategically positioning hot dog pieces to ensure comprehensive flavor integration and textural harmony.
  5. Cheese Infusion: Generously cascade shredded cheese over the chili and hot dogs, creating a molten landscape that promises rich, indulgent coverage.
  6. Topping Application: Distribute biscuit or cornbread mixture evenly across the cheese layer, crafting a golden, pillowy crown that will transform during baking.
  7. Baking Transformation: Immerse the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, awaiting the emergence of a burnished, bubbling masterpiece with a perfectly golden surface.
  8. Finishing Touch: Allow the casserole a brief resting period to stabilize its flavors, then optionally embellish with chopped green onions or sliced jalapeños for a vibrant culinary finale.

Notes

Optimize Hot Dog Placement: Arrange hot dog pieces evenly across the chili layer to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every bite, preventing bland or overcrowded sections.

Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for maximum flavor complexity and smooth, luxurious cheese coverage that complements the spicy chili base.

Control Chili Moisture: Simmer chili until slightly thickened to prevent excess liquid, which could make the casserole soggy and compromise the biscuit or cornbread topping’s crispy texture.

Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based protein for traditional meat, use gluten-free baking mix, and incorporate low-fat cheese options to transform this indulgent dish into a more health-conscious meal without sacrificing robust flavor profiles.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg