This yummy chili cheese dog casserole is full of classic hot dogs, hearty chili, and plenty of cheese, all topped with a layer of cornbread. Perfect for a busy weeknight.

Don’t you just love a warm chili dog while you’re watching the game? It was one of my favorite things about going to watch my boys play sports, besides cheering for them.

And, being the messy eater that I am, if I got some on me it was ok because the boys were covered in dirt too, LOL.

Now they are grown up, but I still like to enjoy a chili dog every now and then. And that’s where this recipe comes in. It’s just like those game day chili cheese dogs you love, but in a casserole version.

This hot dog casserole is the perfect comfort food for the whole family. It reminds me of this beanie weenie casserole I make all the time.

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labeled ingredients for a chili dog casserole

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Cornbread mix – Use your favorite cornbread muffin mix. I like Jiffy or Krusteaz.
Hot dogs – Any hot dog will work here. Even chicken or low-fat hot dogs.
Chili – Canned chili with beans, your favorite chili recipe, or use leftover chili.

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How To Make This Chili Dog Casserole Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 8×8 square baking dish with non-stick spray.

In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread mixture as the package says.

Then spread half the batter in the bottom of the casserole dish.

Cut the hot dogs in half lengthwise and then cut the halves into bite size pieces. In a large frying pan over medium-low, add olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook the onions for 2-3 minutes.

Add the hot dog pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes more to brown the hot dogs. Add the canned chili, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder and stir. Cook until the mixture is heated through.

Remove from the heat and stir in about ¾ cup of the shredded cheese. Pour mixture over the cornbread batter. Top the mixture with the remaining batter and cover with remaining cheese.

baked chili cheese dog casserole next to a red napkin

Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until the corn bread mixture is cooked through. Serve hot with extra cheese and any other toppings.

For the full recipe and detailed cooking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

scoop of hot dog casserole on a wood spoon

Variations

If you aren’t a fan of cornbread, you can always leave it off and just add more cheese on the top.
Try adding hot dog buns instead. I like to cut them into smaller pieces, toast them, and then stir them into casserole.
If you don’t have hot dog buns, use crescent rolls.
Low-carb tortillas are also an option. I have tried other recipes where you wrap the hot dog in the tortilla and place down in the chili. Then cover with cheese and bake.
You can also top it with tater tots and turn this into a tater tot casserole. And who doesn’t love a tater tot casserole?

side view of scoop missing from casserole dish

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 350F oven until heated through.

Can I freeze it?

You can certainly bake the casserole, cool it completely, and then freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Or store it in freezer safe bags.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

slice of casserole on a plate topped with green onions and cheese

Serving Suggestions

This is the perfect dish to serve at pot lucks, ball games, kids parties, etc. For a crowd, I like to put out some extra toppings, like you would for a traditional chili dog.

My favorites are green onions, sour cream, diced jalapeno peppers, extra cheese, and chopped cilantro.

I love this with some french fries and a fiesta salad when I serve it during the week for dinner.

Chili is such a yummy ingredient, and you can add use it in so many recipes. I love it in my frito pie casserole. And cornbread, like in this cowboy casserole and this green chili corn casserole.

Tips For The Best Casserole

Use your favorite hot dogs. I think Nathan’s has the best hot dogs but Gwaltney chicken dogs or beef hot dogs taste great in this too.
If serving to small kids, I like to cut the hot dogs into smaller pieces.
Keep an eye on the cornbread as it bakes. If it starts to brown too much, cover or tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the rest of the baking time.
Grate your own cheese for the best melty cheese.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!

pinterest pin image for chili cheese dog casserole

This chili cheese dog casserole recipes is a great way to serve an ooey-gooey chili cheese dog without all the mess. Plus it’s something that even the picky eaters will love.