Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
The ultimate comfort food bake — thick homemade chili, juicy hot dogs, and a blanket of melty cheese all in one golden, bubbling dish.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base:
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dogs:
- 8 beef hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
Toppings & Bake Layer:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for stretchiness)
- 1 pack refrigerated biscuit dough or croissant dough
Alternative: Use toasted bread cubes if you want a crunchier base.
Instructions
1. Make the Chili:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbled.
- Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beans, then add paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Remove from heat.
2. Prep the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the chili into a large baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Nestle the hot dogs lengthwise on top of the chili. You can wrap each one in a cheese slice for extra flavor.
3. Add Dough & Cheese:
- If using biscuit or croissant dough, slice it into strips and lay them over the top in a criss-cross pattern.
- Sprinkle cheddar (and mozzarella if using) generously over everything.
4. Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving Ideas
Serve hot, topped with:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Pair it with a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
Tips & Tricks
- Want it spicier? Add chipotle powder or chopped green chilies to the chili.
- Making it for a crowd? Double the recipe and use a larger baking dish.
- You can make the chili base ahead of time and assemble the bake when ready to serve.