If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together classic American flavors in a fun and hearty way, this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Family Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy hot dogs mingling with rich, meaty chili and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked beneath a golden crust of fluffy biscuit dough. It’s the perfect meal to gather your family around the table, satisfy hungry appetites, and create new memories with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role in making this casserole both flavorful and satisfying. From the aromatic onions to the spicy kick of chili powder, everything is simple but essential for that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing your aromatics and adding a subtle richness.
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the chili mixture.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Adds a fragrant depth that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings hearty protein and a meaty foundation to the casserole.
- 2 cups canned chili (with or without beans): The star of flavor, blending spice and warmth.
- 8 hot dogs sliced into 1-inch pieces: Brings that classic hot dog bite and juicy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish to provide creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a smoky, mildly spicy punch to harmonize flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers subtle earthiness and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): Creates a golden, fluffy topping that makes the casserole comforting and fun.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh and mildly sharp contrast when sprinkled on top.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your casserole dish is perfectly greased and the biscuits don’t stick.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Family Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sauté Aromatics
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onions. Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Garlic comes next—stir it in and cook for 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma without burning it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with your sautéed aromatics. Break it up as it cooks so it browns evenly and gets nice and crumbly. This browning step is crucial—it builds a rich base flavor for your chili mixture. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Chili and Hot Dogs
Now stir in your canned chili, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that all the spices and flavors are well incorporated. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your spicy beef and hot dog mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Take your biscuit dough and cut each biscuit in half. Arrange these biscuit pieces evenly over the top of the chili mixture like little pillowy clouds waiting to rise. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the biscuit topping—this melts into a glorious golden layer during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Pop your assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The cheese will be melted and bubbling, blending all those delicious layers together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After removing the casserole from the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top if you like a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve it hot for the ultimate comforting family dinner experience.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Family Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add a bright, fresh crunch that complements the richness of the casserole. If you want to amp up the flavor, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced jalapeño can add creaminess or a spicy kick, respectively.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Crispy potato wedges or corn on the cob can also add fun textures and keep the meal kid-friendly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch, perfect for dinner parties or special family nights. You can also top servings with freshly chopped cilantro or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a twist on flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven to enjoy the same melty deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking if you want a ready-to-go meal later. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the biscuit topping soft and the cheese melty without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes the casserole a bit leaner without sacrificing flavor. Just cook it the same way you would the beef.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The familiar flavors of hot dogs, cheese, and chili make it a hit with kids, and the biscuit topping adds a fun texture that even picky eaters love.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level is mild by default, but if you enjoy heat, you can add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to ramp it up a notch.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Substitute plant-based ground meat, use vegetarian chili, and opt for plant-based hot dogs to make a satisfying vegetarian casserole.
What do I do if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
You can make your own biscuit dough from scratch or substitute with refrigerated crescent roll dough for similar results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal to bring your family together around the dinner table, this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Family Dinner Recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. With layers of hearty beef, spicy chili, melty cheese, and fluffy biscuits, it’s comfort food at its finest without the fuss. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy and Delicious Family Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty and delicious family dinner that’s easy to prepare. Featuring ground beef, sliced hot dogs, chili, and topped with buttery biscuits and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is packed with comforting flavors and perfect for a kid-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups canned chili (with or without beans)
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even cooking. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Add Remaining Ingredients to Skillet: Stir in the canned chili, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef and hot dog mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cut each biscuit in half and place the pieces evenly over the chili mixture, covering the surface.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the biscuit pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally top with chopped green onions. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for beef or use plant-based hot dogs and chili to make a vegetarian version.
- For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
