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Fully loaded chili cheese dog casserole topped with melted cheddar and hot dogs in a glass baking dish

Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

  • Author: Sophie Lark
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole transforms beloved ballpark flavors into a show-stopping family dinner. With tender beef hot dogs standing proudly in homemade chili and crowned with melted sharp cheddar cheese, it’s pure comfort food that feeds a crowd in under an hour. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any time you want to bring stadium excitement to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 beef or turkey hot dogs
  • 3 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Kitchen: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
  3. Build the Chili Base: Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes until mixture thickens and flavors meld.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread chili mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place hot dogs vertically into the chili mixture, spacing them evenly throughout the dish.
  5. Add the Cheese Crown: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface, allowing the hot dog tips to peek through for that classic “loaded” look.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Hot dogs should have a slightly blistered appearance on top.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the chili to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

Use room temperature hot dogs for more even cooking. Don’t drain all the fat from the ground beef – a little adds richness to the chili. For extra flavor, lightly score the hot dogs before adding to the casserole. If cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking – just add 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of casserole)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 1,180mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, fully loaded casserole, comfort food recipe, family dinner, crowd pleasing dinner, hot dog casserole, game day food

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Find it online: https://www.kitchenyumy.com/loaded-classic-chili-cheese-dog-casserole/