Pin it A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole combining classic chili dogs in a baked, cheesy format—perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
I first made this for a Saturday night movie marathon with my kids, and it quickly became their most requested dinner whenever we have extra hot dogs and chili on hand.
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Ingredients
- Beef hot dogs: 8, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (about 450 g), homemade or canned, with or without beans
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g), shredded
- Hot dog buns: 6, sliced in half
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons, optional
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons, optional
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Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange Buns:
- Arrange the halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Layer Hot Dogs:
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns.
- Add Onion:
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the hot dogs.
- Add Chili:
- Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture.
- Top with Cheese:
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot.
Pin it Nothing beats the fun of serving this straight from the oven as my kids see the bubbling cheese and all those savory layers. It's always the dish that brings everyone to the table quickly.
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Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or pickled jalapeños for extra kick.
Required Tools
All you need is a 9x13-inch baking dish, a knife, cutting board, small bowl for butter, and optional pastry brush for perfect prep.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers about 440 calories, 26 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Pin it 
Serve hot and garnish just before serving for the freshest taste. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs?
Yes, turkey or plant-based hot dogs are excellent substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian variation.
- → What cheese works besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses provide alternative flavors that melt well in this dish.
- → Is there a recommended baking temperature and time?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- → How should I prepare the buns before baking?
Slice the hot dog buns in half, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle garlic powder for enhanced flavor and crispness.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh chives or green onions add freshness, while a dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast.
- → Can this dish be paired with other sides?
A crisp green salad balances the richness and creates a well-rounded meal.
