Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

Casseroles have a fascinating way of transforming simple ingredients into comfort food magic, and the chili hot dog casserole is no exception. You'll love how this dish takes everyday pantry staples and turns them into a crowd-pleasing meal that's both nostalgic and satisfying. If you've ever wondered how to elevate a classic hot dog into something more exciting, this recipe might just be your culinary salvation. Curious about how a few strategic layers can transform your dinner routine? Let's unpack this delicious solution.

Recipe Highlights

• A Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines sliced hot dogs, chili with beans, cheese, and biscuit dough into a simple, hearty one-dish meal.
• Preparation is quick and easy, requiring just 5-6 ingredients and involving basic layering of hot dogs, chili, cheese, and biscuits in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until biscuits turn golden brown and cheese melts completely, creating a satisfying comfort food dinner.
• The recipe offers flexibility with cheese varieties, spice levels, and optional add-ins like sautéed onions, peppers, or corn to customize flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven for best texture and taste.

History

Although hot dogs and chili have distinct culinary origins, their combination into a single dish reflects the innovative spirit of American comfort food. German immigrants introduced frankfurters in the late 1800s, while chili originated in Texas Mexican communities, gradually evolving into a nationwide sensation.

You'll find that the hot dog casserole emerged as a clever home cook's solution for transforming leftovers into a hearty meal. By layering sliced hot dogs with chili and cheese, home cooks created a budget-friendly, convenient dish that quickly gained popularity.

Regional variations developed across the United States, with each community adding its unique twist. The casserole became a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinners, representing the melting pot of American culinary creativity.

Recipe

Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines the classic comfort foods of hot dogs and chili into a single, hearty dish that's sure to please crowds and families alike. This simple yet delicious recipe transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by everyone.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole offers a convenient way to serve a filling dinner with minimal preparation time. The layers of hot dogs, chili, cheese, and biscuits create a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chili with beans
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup diced onions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin by evenly spreading the sliced hot dogs across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform base layer. Pour the chili over the hot dogs, ensuring complete coverage, and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.

Separate the biscuit dough into individual pieces and arrange them carefully over the chili layer. Top the biscuits with diced onions and the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

For best results, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes serving easier, preventing a runny consistency.

The dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, which may require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by preheating your oven to 375°F and grabbing a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Carefully layer the sliced hot dogs across the bottom of the dish, then cover them with chili and sprinkle half the shredded cheese for a rich, hearty base.

Next, separate the refrigerated biscuit dough and arrange the pieces strategically across the top, finishing with a generous scatter of diced onions and the remaining cheese to create a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 1. Preheat Oven, Grease Dish

Before diving into the delicious layers of this chili hot dog casserole, start by preparing your baking environment for success.

Preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring an even, consistent temperature for optimal cooking. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously coat it with non-stick cooking spray or a light layer of butter, preventing any stubborn ingredient sticking.

Key preparation steps:

• Select a sturdy glass or ceramic baking dish
• Check oven rack placement for even heat distribution
• Use a paper towel to evenly spread grease across dish surfaces
• Verify oven temperature with a reliable thermometer

A well-prepared baking environment sets the foundation for a perfectly executed casserole. Taking these initial steps ensures your chili hot dog dish will emerge golden, bubbling, and irresistibly appetizing.

Step 2. Layer Hot Dogs in Dish

First, grab your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and start strategically arranging those sliced hot dogs across the bottom surface.

You'll want to distribute the 1-inch hot dog pieces evenly, creating a uniform layer that covers most of the dish's base. Aim for minimal gaps between pieces, which helps ensure every bite includes that classic hot dog flavor.

Key placement tips:

• Spread pieces in a single, consistent layer
• Point some pieces vertically, some horizontally
• Ensure hot dogs aren't stacked on top of each other

Use a gentle hand when positioning the slices, letting them settle naturally across the dish's bottom.

This foundational layer will serve as the delicious base for your chili and cheese topping, setting the stage for a mouthwatering casserole that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 3. Add Chili to Dish

The next crucial layer in your chili hot dog casserole involves carefully spreading the prepared chili across the evenly arranged hot dog slices. Open your 15-oz cans of chili with beans, ensuring an even distribution of beans and sauce. Pour the chili directly over the hot dog layer, using a spatula to create a uniform coverage that reaches all corners of the 9×13 inch baking dish.

Key chili application tips:

• Spread chili to about ½-inch thickness
• Ensure complete coverage of hot dog pieces
• Leave slight margin around dish edges for biscuit topping
• Use a gentle spreading motion to prevent disturbing bottom layer

Your goal is a consistent, appetizing base that'll provide rich, meaty flavor for the entire casserole.

Step 4. Sprinkle Remaining Cheese

Over the golden-brown biscuit layer, you'll want to generously distribute the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty, appetizing topping that'll transform your casserole from good to irresistible.

When sprinkling the cheese, aim for even coverage across the entire surface. Use a sweeping motion with your hand to ensure uniform distribution, which helps prevent dry spots and guarantees each bite has a perfect cheese-to-biscuit ratio.

The residual heat from the baking dish will quickly start melting the cheese, creating those delectable golden strings that make casseroles so appealing.

Pro tip: For extra visual appeal, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding a light sprinkle of dried parsley for color contrast.

Step 5. Arrange Biscuit Dough on Top

After generously sprinkling cheese across the casserole's surface, you'll want to carefully separate the refrigerated biscuit dough into individual pieces.

Gently pull each biscuit apart, ensuring they're evenly sized and not torn or stretched unevenly. You'll strategically place these dough pieces across the chili and hot dog mixture, leaving small gaps between each biscuit to allow steam and heat to circulate.

• Cover approximately 80-90% of the casserole's surface
• Space biscuits roughly 1/2 inch apart
• Avoid overlapping the dough pieces
• Press each biscuit lightly into the underlying chili layer

The goal is creating a golden, puffy biscuit topping that'll provide a delightful textural contrast to the hearty chili and hot dog base.

Each biscuit will absorb surrounding flavors while developing a crisp, appealing exterior.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a comfort food enthusiast or a busy home cook seeking a quick meal solution, this chili hot dog casserole represents the ultimate weeknight dinner hack.

You'll find this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults. The layered approach ensures maximum flavor in every bite, while the quick preparation time makes it ideal for hectic schedules.

Pro tips for success:

• Always let the casserole rest before serving
• Check biscuit browning to prevent burning
• Experiment with cheese varieties
• Consider topping with fresh herbs for extra flavor

Customize the recipe to match your family's taste preferences, and you'll have a reliable go-to meal that delivers comfort and convenience in one delicious package.