Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Combining ground beef, sliced hot dogs, chili, and a cheesy crescent roll crust, it’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 hot dogs, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream and jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the chili, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Slice the hot dogs into approximately 1-inch pieces. Add the sliced hot dogs to the meat mixture and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, sealing any seams.
- Step 5: Spread the hot dog and meat mixture evenly over the crescent dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with optional sour cream and jalapeños, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture before baking.
- Use your favorite cheese blend if you don’t have cheddar or mozzarella on hand.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, substitute chili powder with cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough or a similar gluten-free crust.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh hot dogs instead of canned chili?
This recipe relies on canned chili for flavor and moisture, but you can substitute with homemade chili or a simple tomato sauce mixture if preferred. Using just hot dogs without chili will change the texture and flavor.
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty and delicious one-dish meal combining ground beef, hot dogs, chili spices, and gooey melted cheese baked in a flaky crescent roll crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual game day gatherings, it’s an easy recipe that brings comforting flavors together in a simple casserole format.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Cheese and Dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Garnish and Optional
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream and jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Preparing the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Add the chili, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preparing the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized, approximately 1-inch pieces. Add these sliced hot dogs into the meat mixture and cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assembling the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it out evenly on the bottom of the dish, sealing the seams together to form a crust. Evenly spread the meat and hot dog mixture over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Baking the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crescent crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serving the Casserole: Cut the casserole into squares and plate. Garnish with sliced green onions. Optionally, serve with sour cream and jalapeños to add extra flavor and a bit of heat to each serving.
Notes
- This casserole is very versatile; you can add your favorite vegetables or extra spices to the meat mixture for personalized flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a milder dish, omit jalapeños, or add them for a spicy kick depending on your preference.
- Using a non-stick spray on the baking dish helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly and drain fat properly for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, hot dog casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner recipe, easy casserole recipe, game day casserole
