Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Some meals are more than just food; they’re an event. And this Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is exactly that. It takes all the irresistible flavors of a hot, savory chili cheese dog and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup—a thick, rich chili, perfectly nestled hot dogs, a golden layer of cornbread, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This is the kind of dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face and makes a weeknight feel like a celebration.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer that food should be fun, and this recipe is pure fun in a casserole dish. What I love most is how it combines so many classic comfort foods into one incredible meal. The savory, spiced chili provides the perfect base, while the sliced hot dogs add that familiar, nostalgic flavor. The cornbread topping is the real game-changer here, offering a slightly sweet, fluffy contrast to the rich chili and melted cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a game day party, a family dinner, or anytime you need a seriously satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Ingredients
For the Chili Layer
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Hot Dogs
- 1 package (about 8-10) hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch coins
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 (8.5 ounce) box cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped white onion
- A drizzle of yellow mustard
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Beans: While kidney beans are classic, you can use pinto beans or black beans for a different flavor.
- Cornbread Mix: Using a boxed cornbread mix is a fantastic shortcut. If you have a favorite homemade cornbread recipe, feel free to use that instead.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives you great flavor and a perfect melt. You can use any cheese blend you love, but make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Chili: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: While the chili simmers, slice the hot dogs into 1-inch coins.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chili mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. Arrange the hot dog coins over the top of the chili.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hot dogs and chili.
- Add the Cornbread: Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the cheese and hot dogs, spreading it out to cover the entire casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings.
Tips for Success
- Use a Good Chili: The quality of your chili is the key to this dish. Take the time to let it simmer and develop a rich flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Cornbread: Watch the cornbread closely. Once it’s golden brown and cooked through, the casserole is ready.
- Cut the Hot Dogs Evenly: Slicing the hot dogs into uniform pieces ensures they are evenly distributed in the casserole.
- Customize It: This recipe is a great canvas. Feel free to add your favorite chili ingredients, like a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a meal in itself. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner or a party. You can serve it alongside a simple green salad or some potato chips. For a fun, party spread, serve it with other crowd-pleasing foods like this Crockpot Nacho Dip or a platter of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this casserole are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave or place them in a hot oven (350°F / 175°C) until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Totchos are my favorite party food hack: tater tot nachos for the win
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s a simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious meal that proves that comfort food can be both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and get ready for some big smiles at the dinner table.
What’s your favorite classic comfort food to turn into a casserole? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 hot dogs
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, combine water, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the chili beans and hot dogs, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer the chili mixture, followed by the cornbread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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