Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe the perfect comfort food mashup of chili dogs and baked casserole! It’s gooey, cheesy, meaty, and super satisfying. Great for game days, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

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🌭 Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients:

For the Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained slightly)

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or pinto beans (drained & rinsed)

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt (to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat

For the Casserole:

• 6–8 hot dogs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based)

• 6–8 hot dog buns

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)

• 2 tbsp butter (for brushing buns)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Optional toppings: chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, chopped pickles, mustard drizzle, sour cream, green onions

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🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Chili:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 4–5 minutes).

2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and all chili seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally.

4. Taste and adjust salt/spice levels as needed.

2. Prepare the Hot Dogs:

1. While chili is simmering, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly toast hot dog buns (optional, for less sogginess).

3. Place a hot dog in each bun, sprinkle a little cheese inside the bun if desired, and line them up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Spoon the thickened chili generously over the lined-up hot dogs in buns.

2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

3. Melt butter and mix with garlic powder; brush the exposed tops of the buns for flavor and a golden finish.

4. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and buns are lightly toasted around the edges.

5. Add Toppings & Serve:

• Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with chopped onions, jalapeños, mustard, or sour cream as desired. Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or chips.

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🔁 Variations:

• No Beans? Skip them and double the meat for a Texas-style chili dog casserole.

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños into the chili or use pepper jack cheese.

• Cheese lovers: Add a cheese layer between the chili and hot dogs.