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If you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog into one cozy dish, this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a deliciously easy recipe that layers savory chili, juicy hot dogs wrapped in golden crescent rolls, and gooey cheddar cheese into a family dinner everyone will adore. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this casserole delivers that perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this casserole a home run. From the spiced-up chili to the flaky crescent rolls, every element contributes texture, flavor, and a splash of color that makes this dish so inviting.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch to the chili base.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic punch.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein foundation that makes the chili satisfying and filling.
- Chili beans (1 can, undrained): Provides tender bites and boosts that classic chili texture and flavor.
- Tomato sauce (1 can): Keeps the chili moist and tangy with just the right amount of tomato sweetness.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): The essential spice that brings warm heat and authentic chili character.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy, smoky undertone that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balance and enhance all the flavors in the chili.
- Beef hot dogs (8): The star ingredient wrapped in crescent dough for that iconic chili dog feel.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can): Creates a buttery, flaky wrap that crisps up beautifully during baking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into a golden, gooey topping that unites everything deliciously.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color for finishing touches.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chili base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté your diced onion until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.
Step 2: Simmer the chili mixture
Stir in the chili beans (with their sauce), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and all these wonderful flavors meld together into a rich, savory chili base.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure no sticking. Pour your chili mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out as the flavorful foundation layer. Now comes the fun part—roll each beef hot dog in a crescent roll triangle so they’re snugly wrapped in that flaky dough. Arrange these wrapped hot dogs on top of the chili layer in a single row or slightly spaced out, depending on your dish’s size.
Step 4: Add cheese and bake
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the crescent-wrapped hot dogs, covering them with that glorious blanket of melty, sharp cheddar goodness. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, lively pop of color and flavor. Let it cool just a few minutes before serving warm—this is the moment when the chili cheese dog magic really shines on your plate.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic garnish, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the flavors and add a fun contrast to that rich, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides like crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some crunchy carrot sticks. If you want to amp up the comfort factor, serve it with buttery corn on the cob or your favorite roasted vegetables. These sides bring balance and texture to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of one large dish, try making individual servings in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a fun party presentation. You could also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for added crunch, or mix in some cooked beans or corn into the chili for more color and variety. These little tweaks keep the recipe feeling fresh and exciting every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the casserole ahead of time, assemble it fully (except baking) and freeze it in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed for fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through to help keep the crescent rolls flaky and the cheese melty. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of hot dogs for this casserole?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian hot dogs, they’ll all work great wrapped in crescent rolls with the chili and cheese. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed based on the type you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the chili mixture before baking. For even more heat, sprinkle chopped fresh chilies on top before baking or serve with spicy condiments.
Can I substitute the crescent roll dough?
You can swap crescent rolls with biscuit dough or puff pastry for a different texture, but crescent rolls are ideal for that light, flaky finish that complements the casserole perfectly.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes work great as a leaner or vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
How many servings does this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about bringing familiar flavors together in a fun, easy way that pleases everyone at the table. This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to share smiles and satisfy hungry appetites with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to family favorites!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. It combines savory chili beans, browned ground beef, and juicy hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough, all baked together with melted cheddar cheese on top. This one-pan meal offers a comforting twist on classic chili dogs while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chili Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (undrained)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 8 beef hot dogs
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Prepare Chili Mixture: Stir in the chili beans (with their sauce), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the thickened chili mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Hot Dogs: Roll each hot dog in a crescent roll dough triangle, ensuring they are fully wrapped. Arrange the wrapped hot dogs on top of the chili layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot dogs and chili mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped green onions for added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute homemade chili with store-bought canned chili for a quicker preparation.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture before baking.
- If preferred, use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs to adjust for dietary preferences.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
