Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best parts of a chili cheese dog—all in one dish? This Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is your new go-to for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or game-day spreads. It’s everything you love about the classic ballpark favorite: juicy hot dog flavor, zesty chili, buttery buns, and plenty of melty cheese—all baked into one ridiculously satisfying casserole.

We’re talking serious comfort food vibes here.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: chili cheese dogs in casserole form? Yes, and trust me—it’s as delicious as it sounds. I first whipped this up on a whim during a Sunday football game when I wanted to serve something hearty without having to stand over a grill. It ended up being the kind of dish where everyone goes back for seconds (or thirds), and it’s been in heavy rotation ever since.

Let’s jump right into this flavorful, crowd-pleasing bake that hits all the nostalgic notes of your favorite diner food—with a cozy twist.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup canned chili (with or without beans—your call!)

• ½ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 8 hot dog buns, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• ½ cup dill pickle slices, chopped

• ⅓ cup diced red onion

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

STEP 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This casserole comes together pretty quickly once you get rolling, so it’s a good idea to have everything chopped and ready before you start cooking. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the pickles, and cut up the hot dog buns into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 2: Cook the Beef and Build the Flavor

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbled.

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or so, just until it smells amazing (you’ll know the moment it hits your nose!).

Now, add in the canned chili, ketchup, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can really come together. The sauce should be thick, flavorful, and just a little tangy from the mustard.

STEP 3: Toss the Bread and Assemble the First Layer

While your chili mixture is simmering, it’s time to get that bread base ready. In a large bowl, toss your chopped hot dog buns with the melted butter. This is what gives the casserole that buttery, slightly crisp texture that mimics a toasted bun. You can use any style of hot dog bun here, but potato rolls or brioche buns add a little extra indulgence.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread half of the buttered bun pieces evenly across the bottom. This will serve as the base layer and soak up all that meaty, cheesy goodness in the next step.

STEP 4: Add the Chili Mixture and First Layer of Cheese

Once your chili beef mixture is done simmering, spoon it right over the first layer of buns in the baking dish. Be sure to spread it evenly so every bite gets a hit of chili flavor.

Next, sprinkle on one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. You can absolutely get creative here and mix in pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a little kick—but good old sharp cheddar really brings home that classic chili cheese dog flavor.

Alright, now that we’ve got our base layers of buttery bread, chili-spiced beef, and melty cheddar in place, it’s time to finish assembling this Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole and get it into the oven. This part is where all that cozy, cheesy magic really starts to happen.

If you’ve made casseroles before, you know how satisfying it is to see them come together in layers. This one is no different—except it’s got the bold, nostalgic flavors of a chili cheese dog packed into every bite.

Let’s keep going!

STEP 5: Add the Final Bread Layer and Press It Down

With your chili beef mixture and first layer of cheese already in the dish, now it’s time to add the rest of the buttery bun pieces on top. Spread them evenly across the surface, making sure to cover all the saucy goodness underneath.

Once everything’s in, gently press down on the bread with your hands or the back of a spatula. You don’t need to squash it, but giving it a little press helps compact the layers slightly so they bake together into a cohesive, scoopable casserole. It also helps the bread absorb more of that rich flavor.

STEP 6: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered for Golden, Melty Goodness

Now, cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15 minutes covered—this gives the casserole time to warm through and allows the flavors to blend without drying out the bread on top.

After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

This is the part where your kitchen starts smelling like pure comfort food heaven.

STEP 7: Let It Rest, Then Add the Final Toppings

As tempting as it is to dive in the second it comes out of the oven, give the casserole 5 minutes to rest. This quick pause lets the cheese settle and makes it easier to serve.

Once it’s rested, sprinkle the chopped dill pickles and diced red onion right over the top. This is what gives it that full-on chili cheese dog experience. The pickles add a tangy crunch, and the raw red onion brings a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the casserole. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Tips & Variations to Make It Your Own

This casserole is super flexible and easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to take it up a notch:

• Use Different Cheeses: Try a combo of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for a little kick, or even add in mozzarella for that classic cheese pull.

• Spice It Up: Want more heat? Stir a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the chili mixture.

• Make It Meaty: You can add sliced hot dogs into the chili mixture for a true chili cheese dog effect. Just cook them with the beef or stir them in after.

• Bread Swap: Don’t have hot dog buns? Hamburger buns, sandwich rolls, or even leftover brioche work just as well. Just aim for a soft bread that will soak up the flavors.

• Assemble Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from cold.