Description: This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole transforms the beloved chili cheese dog into a hearty, shareable, and oven-baked delight. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or game-day celebrations. Imagine juicy hot dogs nestled in a rich, flavorful chili, all smothered in gooey, melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is easy to assemble, satisfyingly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Chili Base:
- 1½ lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white onion works well)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (plain or with basil and oregano for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
- 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (adds warmth and earthy notes)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (enhances the smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended)
For Assembly:
- 10–12 beef hot dogs (all-beef hot dogs are preferred for superior taste and texture)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded or freshly grated)
- Optional: sliced green onions or jalapeños for topping (for added freshness and heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly, and the cheese will melt beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Base. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, place over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the chili from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Add the aromatics. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and onion and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Build the chili flavor. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer and thicken. Bring the chili mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, chili powder, or other spices to your preference.
Step 6: Assemble the casserole. Pour the chili mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 7: Nestle the hot dogs. Arrange the hot dogs in rows within the chili mixture, spacing them evenly apart. You can either place them whole or slice them in half lengthwise for easier eating.
Step 8: Add the cheese. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring all the hot dogs and chili are covered.
Step 9: Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Step 10: Garnish (optional). Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions or jalapeños, if desired.
Step 11: Serve. Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly easy to make: With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves chili cheese dogs, and this casserole takes that classic flavor combination to the next level. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd at parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
- It’s customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Use different types of cheese, add your favorite chili toppings, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- It’s budget-friendly: This casserole is an affordable way to feed a lot of people without breaking the bank.
- It’s a nostalgic comfort food: Chili cheese dogs are a beloved classic for a reason, and this casserole brings back fond memories of childhood fairs, baseball games, and backyard barbecues.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- One-Pan Meal: Easy to clean up since it’s made in a single dish.
Serving Suggestions:
This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:
- Serve with buns: Offer a side of toasted hot dog buns for those who want to enjoy the casserole in a more traditional chili cheese dog format.
- Serve with tortilla chips: Provide a bowl of tortilla chips for scooping up the chili and cheese. This is a great option for parties or casual gatherings.
- Add a side salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a fresh side salad, such as a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Offer a variety of toppings: Set out a tray of toppings such as chopped onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and your favorite hot sauce, so everyone can customize their serving.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the casserole with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a heartier and more satisfying meal.
- Add some spice: Offer a side of pickled jalapeños or a bottle of hot sauce for those who like a little extra heat.
Tips:
- Use high-quality hot dogs: The quality of the hot dogs will greatly impact the overall flavor of the casserole. Choose all-beef hot dogs for the best taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the ground beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned and no longer pink.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overbake the casserole: Overbaking the casserole can cause the cheese to become dry and rubbery. Bake it just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Line your baking dish for easier cleanup: Use parchment paper for an easy clean up.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 550-700 per serving (depending on portion size and toppings)
- Protein: 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: 1200-1500mg per serving
Conclusion
The Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a culinary hug, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a guaranteed way to bring smiles to faces. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving a taste of childhood nostalgia, this casserole is the perfect solution. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed adventure that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is not just about the food; it’s about the memories you create while sharing it with loved ones.
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for – Monterey Jack offers a mild, creamy taste, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.
Q3: Can I add beans to the chili?
A: Absolutely! Adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans to the chili mixture will add more flavor, texture, and fiber to the casserole. This is a great way to make the casserole even more hearty and filling.
Q4: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey and chicken may cook slightly faster than beef. Also, consider adding a bit of olive oil to the skillet when cooking ground turkey or chicken, as they tend to be leaner than ground beef and may stick to the pan.
Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: There are several ways to add more heat to this recipe. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture, or you can use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese. You can also garnish the casserole with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. For an extra kick, you can even add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the chili mixture.
