Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Oct. 19, 2023
Kids and dads alike will dive right into this hearty, comforting dish. With a crispy cheese topping on a warm corn bread crust, this chili dog casserole recipe is a keeper. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 package (1 pound) hot dogs, halved lengthwise and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chili with beans
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare cornbread batter according to package directions. Spread half the batter into a greased 8-in. square baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; add green pepper, onion and celery. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in hot dogs; cook and stir until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes longer. Stir in chili, brown sugar, garlic powder and chili powder; heat through. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese.
  3. Spoon hot dog mixture over cornbread batter; top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
  4. Bake, uncovered, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 28-32 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Chili Dog Casserole Tips

How can you make chili dog casserole your own?

There are several different twists and adaptations you can make to this casserole. If you have leftover homemade chili in the fridge, you can swap the canned chili for homemade chili (2 cups worth). You can swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack. Top the chili dog casserole with thinly sliced jalapenos for a little color as well as heat. Or, switch things up a little: Instead of using cornbread, wrap whole hot dogs in tortillas or crescent roll dough. Spread the cooked filling in the bottom of the casserole dish, and then place the wrapped hot dogs on top, sprinkle with cheese and bake.

Can you make chili dog casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chili dog casserole ahead of time. Prepare and bake the casserole, and then let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it with plastic or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve it, sprinkle it with a little extra cheese, cover it lightly with foil, and reheat it at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.

What can you serve with chili dog casserole?

Serve it with a bowl of tortilla chips to scoop up the chili. Add some greens to your plate by pairing it with a Mexican fiesta salad. If you liked this recipe, try more of our hot dog recipes, or, if you want more creative chili dog recipes, try chili dog pizza or chili dog baked potatoes next.

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 638 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1518mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein.