If you’re searching for a comforting, satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than this incredible Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe. It combines the nostalgic flavors of classic chili dogs with gooey melted cheese and fluffy biscuits, all baked in one hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this casserole brings together simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both delicious and effortless to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the casserole’s layered flavors and satisfying textures. From savory ground beef to the soft biscuit topping, everything combines to create a warm and cheesy dinner that kids and adults will absolutely love.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic to develop a rich, aromatic base.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened with garlic.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a punch of flavor that complements the beef and chili.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this casserole filling and meaty.
- Canned chili: Brings a robust and slightly spicy element to the dish, with or without beans depending on preference.
- Hot dogs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they add fun and texture, making this recipe feel like a grown-up twist on a favorite childhood meal.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, creating that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and subtle heat to the flavor profile.
- Cumin: Offers an earthy undertone that complements the chili spices.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Creates a fluffy and golden topping that soaks up all the delicious juices beneath.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild, oniony crunch.
- Cooking spray: Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to keep that cheesy goodness from sticking. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to sauté your chopped onions until they become soft and sweet, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release its fragrant flavor without burning.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks so there are no large clumps. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. This step builds the savory heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Add the Chili and Hot Dogs
To the beef, stir in your canned chili, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let these flavors mingle over low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to deepen and the hot dog pieces to warm through, creating a rich, cohesive mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour this hearty meat and chili mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, take each biscuit and cut it in half before placing the halves evenly over the top. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese lavishly over everything, promising that gooey, melty reward once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the biscuits are perfectly golden brown and cooked through, with the cheese bubbling enticingly. Once out of the oven, scatter chopped green onions over the top if you like a touch of freshness in every bite.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, try garnishing with fresh green onions for a mild crispness or a dollop of sour cream to temper the rich flavors. You could also add a sprinkle of diced jalapeños if your family likes a bit of heat to brighten the cheesy chili goodness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines well alongside simple sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or even some buttery corn on the cob. These sides add a refreshing contrast so the casserole remains the star but your meal feels balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personal portion presentation. Alternatively, top with different colored shredded cheeses or finely diced colorful bell peppers for an inviting pop of color that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess. It makes for an easy next-day meal that reheats well.
Freezing
For longer storage, this casserole freezes well. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered loosely with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven helps keep biscuits from becoming soggy and preserves that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and hot dogs for plant-based alternatives or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetarian chili and you’ll have a meat-free version that’s just as tasty.
What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
If biscuit dough isn’t available, premade crescent roll dough or even frozen puff pastry can work in a pinch, though the texture will vary slightly. You can also bake homemade biscuits separately and add them on top before serving.
Is this casserole spicy?
The base recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or using a spicier chili to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy days.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so incredibly comforting about the Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe — it’s like wrapping up your favorite childhood flavors into one simple, delicious meal. It’s easy to make, great for picky eaters, and perfect for busy families craving something warm and cheesy. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a fast favorite at your dinner table!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: An Easy & Kid-Friendly Family Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Combining ground beef, hot dogs, and chili with a cheesy biscuit topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers comforting American flavors in a single baked casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pantry and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups canned chili (with or without beans)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Chili and Seasoning: Stir in the canned chili, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat and chili mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Cut each biscuit in half and evenly arrange the pieces over the chili mixture, covering the surface.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the biscuit pieces to create a melty, cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with optional chopped green onions for added freshness and color. Serve hot for a comforting family meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef to lighten the dish.
- Use plant-based hot dogs and chili for a vegetarian version.
- For extra spice, add a chopped jalapeño along with the onions during sautéing.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
