Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Here’s a delicious Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe – hearty, cheesy, and perfect for game day or family dinner!

🍴 Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35–40 mins
Total Time: ~55 mins

🧾 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (or kidney beans), drained

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 6–8 hot dogs

• 6–8 hot dog buns (split-top or standard)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & Monterey Jack)

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (optional, for layering)

• 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions

• Pickled jalapeños

• Crumbled bacon

• Sour cream

• Diced red onions

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the chili:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

   • Add ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

   • Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.

3. Assemble the casserole:

   • Spoon half the chili into the bottom of the baking dish.

   • Place hot dog buns in the dish (cut side up), nestled in the chili.

   • Add mustard and ketchup to each bun if using.

   • Place one hot dog in each bun.

   • Spoon remaining chili over and around the hot dogs.

   • Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.

4. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with your favorite toppings like green onions, jalapeños, bacon bits, or sour cream.

🔁 Tips & Variations

• Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.

• Use canned chili for a shortcut.

• Add a layer of tater tots on top before baking for a crunchy twist.