Chili Dog Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than Chili Dog Casserole. This irresistible dish layers juicy hot dogs and tangy chili beneath a blanket of melted cheese and golden biscuit dough, channeling all the nostalgic flavors of a classic chili dog in cozy casserole form. Whether you’re prepping for game day, needing a weekday lifesaver, or just craving a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table, this Chili Dog Casserole always hits the spot.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chili Dog Casserole lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing a pop of flavor or a satisfying texture. Gather these pantry staples and kitchen favorites for a dinner that’s equal parts effortless and delicious.

• Hot dogs: Pick your go-to brand or use smoky beef or turkey links for a twist—every bite gets a little burst of savory flavor.
• Canned chili: This shortcut delivers bold, spiced flavor without hours of simmering; choose with or without beans depending on your preference.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that ooey-gooey, melty topping that makes each serving extra comforting.
• Refrigerated biscuit dough: The final layer transforms in the oven into golden, fluffy pillows that soak up all the chili goodness.
• Chopped onions (optional): Sprinkle them in for a little bite and added depth of flavor.
• Jalapenos or pickled peppers (optional): Perfect for a spicy kick if your crowd loves some heat.
• Cooking spray or a bit of butter: Helps ensure nothing sticks so serving is mess-free and easy.

How to Make Chili Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your favorite 9×13-inch casserole dish a generous mist of cooking spray or a swipe of butter. This not only helps with easy cleanup, but ensures you’ll get those nice, crisped biscuit edges that make each bite so good.

Step 2: Layer the Hot Dogs

Lay the hot dogs evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. If you’re working with big hot dogs, slice them in half lengthwise for more even layering—this way every scoop gets the perfect hot dog-to-chili ratio!

Step 3: Smother with Chili

Open your cans of chili and pour them right over the hot dogs, spreading everything out so each dog is tucked under a blanket of rich, spicy goodness. If you want to amp things up, sprinkle in chopped onions or jalapenos right over the chili layer.

Step 4: Add a Cheesy Layer

Grab that heaping handful of shredded cheddar cheese and shower it generously over the chili. This layer gets deliciously melty as the Chili Dog Casserole bakes, tying everything together into a bubbly, gooey masterpiece.

Step 5: Top With Biscuit Dough

Pop open your tube of refrigerated biscuit dough and arrange the biscuits evenly across the surface of the casserole. If your biscuits are big, consider splitting them in half for fuller coverage—a little overlap is totally fine!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know your Chili Dog Casserole is done when the biscuits are puffed and golden on top, the cheese is bubbly, and the kitchen smells downright irresistible. Let it cool for just a couple of minutes before diving in, as the chili layer will be piping hot!

How to Serve Chili Dog Casserole

Garnishes

Chili Dog Casserole shines brightest when you go all-in with the toppings. Try a sprinkle of fresh chives, extra diced onions, sliced jalapenos, or even a dollop of cool sour cream. Bright, zesty garnishes add color and refresh each bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing the casserole with simple sides makes the meal feel special. Think crisp coleslaw, roasted corn, or a tangy side salad—the freshness balances the hearty chili and cheesy biscuit layers beautifully. Even some crunchy pickles or kettle chips make for an easy, crowd-pleasing addition.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a game day party or casual get-together? Spoon portions of Chili Dog Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Or, go family-style and serve it straight from the baking dish, encouraging everyone to grab a big, cheesy scoop. You can even slice the baked dish into biscuit-topped squares for easy handheld servings—no fork required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Chili Dog Casserole saves beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just long enough for those flavors to meld together even more.

Freezing

Chili Dog Casserole is ideal for freezer meal prep. Assemble the casserole up to the step before adding biscuit dough, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, pop on the biscuits, and bake as usual. Leftover, baked portions can also be frozen for 1–2 months; just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the biscuits are re-crisped (about 15–20 minutes). If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover loosely to trap moisture and prevent the biscuits from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chili in Chili Dog Casserole?

Absolutely! If you have homemade chili on hand, it adds a fantastic personal touch and lets you control the spice level and mix-ins. Just be sure it’s not too soupy, as that could make the biscuit layer soggy.

What type of hot dogs work best?

Any hot dog will shine in this recipe, so feel free to use your family’s favorite. Classic beef, turkey, and even plant-based dogs all work well—just look for a variety you love the taste of, since their flavor anchors the casserole.

Can I make this Chili Dog Casserole gluten free?

Yes! Opt for gluten-free biscuit dough (many grocery stores carry it now) and confirm your chili and hot dogs are gluten-free. With these simple swaps, the dish is just as hearty and delicious.

How do I prevent the biscuits from getting soggy?

Make sure your chili isn’t overly runny, and try spacing out the biscuits a bit so the tops bake evenly. If your oven runs cool, add a quick extra five minutes of baking to ensure those biscuits turn golden and set.

Can I add other toppings to the Chili Dog Casserole before baking?

Definitely! Consider sprinkling some diced tomatoes, black olives, or green onions between the chili and cheese layers for a little extra color and flavor. Make it your own—this recipe is all about flexibility and fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts fun and comfort, you can’t go wrong with Chili Dog Casserole. It’s a recipe that brings out big smiles and full bellies every time. Go ahead, gather your loved ones, and make tonight a cozy Chili Dog Casserole night—you’ll be glad you did!

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