Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: Your Ultimate Comfort Bake!
Get ready to experience comfort food like never before! We’re talking about a dish that takes everything you adore about a classic chili cheese dog and transforms it into a hearty, bubbling, and utterly irresistible casserole. Introducing the Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – the ultimate comfort bake that promises a thick, savory chili base, perfectly nestled hot dogs, and a glorious golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese.
This isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of pure, unadulterated comfort. Imagine spooning out a generous portion where every bite delivers rich, meaty chili, a satisfying slice of hot dog, and that incredible stretchy, tangy cheese pull. It’s robust, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a casual family dinner, game day, or any time you need a serious dose of delicious nostalgia.
Easy to assemble and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces, this casserole is a true weeknight hero. Get ready to ditch the buns and dive into a hearty bake that’s pure comfort in every single bite!
Ingredients:
For the Chili Base:
- 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning beef)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 packet (1 ounce) chili seasoning mix OR 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water or beef broth
For the Hot Dogs & Cheese:
- 8-10 all-beef hot dogs (or your preferred type)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend), divided
Optional Toppings (for serving):
- Diced fresh onion
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crushed Fritos or corn chips
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chili Base:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If your beef is very lean, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chili seasoning mix (or your homemade blend) and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to toast the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, rinsed and drained kidney beans, and water or beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the prepared chili base evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise (or into large chunks, as preferred). Arrange the hot dog halves cut-side up (or chunks) on top of the chili base. You can place them in rows, or scatter them evenly.
- Sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot dogs and chili.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a truly golden-brown cheese blanket, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking, or briefly switch to the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
4. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the chili to set slightly and makes for easier scooping.
- Serve hot, and let everyone customize their bowl with optional toppings like fresh diced onion, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or some crushed Fritos for extra crunch.
This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is pure comfort food bliss – a hearty, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying meal that will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!