Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

Craving the nostalgic flavors of a chili cheese dog but want a dish that feeds a crowd with ease? This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is your answer! With a hearty chili base, juicy hot dogs nestled on top, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese, this bake combines all the best parts of a classic chili dog into a comforting, shareable casserole. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or cozy gatherings, this recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s a prime example of the bold, indulgent dishes in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a must-try for comfort food lovers, offering:

• Classic Flavors: Combines chili, hot dogs, and cheese for a nostalgic taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep for maximum payoff.
• Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family meals.
• Customizable: Adaptable for spice levels, dietary needs, or extra toppings.
• Picture-Perfect: Ideal for sharing on X with #TastyRecipeHub.

This casserole is a hearty addition to your recipe collection, just like the comforting dishes in our eBook, available on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6-8 and is baked in a 9×13-inch dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili Base:

• 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Casserole:

• 8 all-beef hot dogs (standard size)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 package (8 oz) cornbread mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, typically egg and milk)
• ½ cup diced jalapeños (optional, for spice)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Pickle relish
• Mustard drizzle

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk (for cornbread mix)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a hearty, cheesy chili dog casserole that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 ½ lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the chili base evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Arrange 8 hot dogs in a single layer over the chili, spacing them evenly to ensure each slice gets a hot dog portion.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the hot dogs.

Step 3: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

1. Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions (typically mixing with an egg and milk). Fold in ½ cup diced jalapeños (if using) for a spicy kick.
2. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the hot dogs and cheese, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread layer for a golden, cheesy blanket.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is cooked through (a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the chili to set slightly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Scoop or slice the casserole into portions, ensuring each serving includes chili, a hot dog, and the cheesy cornbread topping.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, pickle relish, or a mustard drizzle for extra chili dog flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Game Day Feast: Serve with nachos, fries, or coleslaw for a tailgate spread.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies for balance.
• Kid-Friendly: Omit jalapeños and cayenne for a milder flavor.
• Party Style: Cut into smaller squares for appetizer-sized portions.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If this Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole has you craving more hearty American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Reese’s Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake, Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Burrito, and Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups, all designed for busy cooks who love bold flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and bring more comfort food classics to your table!

Customization Options

• Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Beans: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
• Spice Level: Add more cayenne or fresh jalapeños for heat, or skip for a milder dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure hot dogs are gluten-free.
• Topping Twist: Replace cornbread with tater tots or crescent roll dough for a different crust.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked casserole (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the chili base up to 1 day in advance and assemble just before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Why This Recipe Shines

This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole combines the nostalgic flavors of a ballpark hot dog with the comfort of a hearty bake, making it perfect for busy nights or festive gatherings. Its bold, cheesy goodness is ideal for sharing on social media, much like the crowd-pleasing recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Drain Beef Well: Remove excess fat to prevent a greasy chili base.
• Even Hot Dog Placement: Arrange hot dogs to ensure every slice has one.
• Fresh Cheese: Shred your own cheddar for better melting and flavor.
• Rest Before Serving: Allows the chili to set for easier scooping.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.

Enjoy your fully loaded comfort bake!