Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
The ultimate comfort bake — thick chili base, fully exposed hot dogs, and a golden cheddar cheese blanket.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base:
1 ½ lb ground beef
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
For the Assembly:
12 beef or turkey hot dogs
3 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick and hearty.
Spread chili mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Nestle hot dogs vertically into the chili, spacing evenly.
Evenly sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the entire surface, fully covering but allowing hot dog tips to peek through.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and hot dogs are slightly blistered on top.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving.