Fully Loaded Chili Cheese Dog

This chili cheese dog casserole is a nostalgic comfort food that brings all the fun of classic ballpark favorites right to your dinner table in one bubbling dish. It is everything you crave about a chili cheese dog loaded up with cheddar but transformed into a shareable family meal you can scoop and serve.

I still remember the first time I made this for a game night potluck my friends actually went back for seconds and raved about the gooey cheese and hearty chili base It quickly became a regular Sunday supper at my house

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for a rich meaty chili base look for 80 or 85 percent lean for the best balance of flavor and juiciness
• Kidney beans: for creaminess and extra protein choose beans that are plump with no cracks or shriveled skins
• Tomato sauce: brings tang and moisture use a plain variety with no added sugar
• Tomato paste: for concentrated tomato flavor choose one with a deep red color
• Chili powder: customizes the spice level so pick the blend you love most
• Garlic powder: boosts savoriness and makes the chili extra aromatic
• Onion powder: gives sweet undertones and depth
• Smoked paprika: adds a hint of smokiness Spanish varieties are especially bold
• Salt and black pepper: to round out and sharpen all the flavors
• Beef or turkey hot dogs: the heart of the dish use high quality hot dogs with a good snap
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: for a melty crown of richness grate your own for the best melt and flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Bring out a glass baking dish that measures about nine by thirteen inches This type of dish helps evenly cook the casserole and gives you those irresistible browned cheesy edges

Brown the Ground Beef:

Place your ground beef in a large skillet Use medium high heat so the meat sears nicely Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until there are no more pink spots This usually takes around eight to ten minutes Drain off the fat so the chili does not end up greasy or loose

Build the Chili Base:

Add kidney beans tomato sauce tomato paste chili powder garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper into the pan with the browned beef Stir everything very well so the spices are distributed evenly Let the mixture simmer gently for about ten to fifteen minutes You want it to become thick and fragrant with flavors that meld together

Layer the Chili:

Spoon the entire chili mixture into your prepared baking dish Spread it into an even layer using a spatula This sets a sturdy foundation for the rest of the casserole

Add the Hot Dogs:

Take your hot dogs and nestle them into the chili vertically Place them in rows pressing them in so their tops peek through the surface This is both for looks and to ensure every serving gets some dog in it

Blanket with Cheese:

Evenly scatter the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the entire dish Make sure you cover the chili base but allow those hot dog tips to be visible This creates pockets of golden cheese and visual appeal

Bake Until Bubbly:

Slide the pan into your hot oven Bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes Watch for the cheese to melt into gooey glory and start to brown very slightly around the edges You should see small bubbles forming and the tips of the hot dogs getting a little blistered

Cool and Serve:

Let your casserole rest for about five minutes after baking This short wait helps everything firm up a bit and makes it easier to scoop neat portions Serve while hot and enjoy every bite

Pin it

My favorite part is always the crispy cheese edges and blistered hot dog tips They remind me of campfires and backyard cookouts My family likes to gather around the table and compete for the cheesiest piece

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator They will keep well for up to three days For best results reheat in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave to preserve that cheesy crust The casserole also freezes beautifully Just cool completely before wrapping in foil and stash flat in the freezer Slice and reheat portions straight from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or even plant based crumbles for the ground beef without missing the classic chili flavor If you want a little extra kick stir in some diced jalapenos or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Instead of cheddar you can try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a melty twist For those with dietary needs choose turkey dogs or gluten free brands as needed

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the casserole over warm split buns for an authentic chili cheese dog experience Or serve it casserole style with a side of tangy coleslaw and crunchy pickles It is also fun to top with diced onions jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce before serving For extra nostalgia add a handful of crushed tortilla chips or saltines right on top

Cultural and Historical Notes

The chili cheese dog is an iconic American comfort food growing out of early twentieth century street vendors in cities like Detroit and Los Angeles This casserole takes all of the beloved elements and bakes them together which is both easier and neater than making dogs one by one The result is pure classic flavor but plenty of room for your own modern twists

Seasonal Adaptations

Try using smoked sausage or bratwurst instead of hot dogs during grilling season Mix in sweet fresh summer corn when in season for extra crunch and flavor For fall and winter toss in sautéed bell peppers or even roasted squash with the chili base for a veggie boost

Success Stories

I have heard from lots of friends who have made this for tailgates and potlucks and it always disappears faster than expected One family shared that their picky kids cleaned their plates and even took leftovers for lunch at school Another friend likes bringing this to new parents because it is hearty easy to reheat and feels like a warm hug

Freezer Meal Conversion

This casserole is the ultimate make ahead freezer meal Simply prepare as directed but stop before baking Let it cool and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap Freeze flat for up to two months When you are ready to serve transfer to a fridge to thaw overnight and then bake as recipe instructs You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time

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This crowd-pleaser brings all the nostalgic flavor in one hearty pan Just add your favorite toppings and enjoy together

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this casserole fully loaded?

The combination of seasoned chili, beef hot dogs, and a hearty layer of sharp cheddar cheese creates a satisfying, fully loaded experience in each serving.

→ Can I use turkey hot dogs instead of beef?

Yes, both beef and turkey hot dogs work well in this dish depending on your preference or dietary needs.

→ How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Ensure you drain excess fat from the beef and simmer the chili mixture so it thickens before baking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crisp coleslaw, green salad, or roasted vegetables complement the bold and cheesy flavors.

→ How do I store leftover casserole?

Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.