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Super Bowl Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: Easy Game Day Comfort Food

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This comforting casserole combines classic chili, juicy hot dogs, gooey cheese, and toasted buns in one bubbly, golden-brown bake. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you crave nostalgic comfort food that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 8 classic beef hot dogs (or turkey/chicken/veggie links)
  • 8 regular-size hot dog buns (slightly stale is fine)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (6-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili is thick.
  5. Slice hot dogs in half lengthwise, then crosswise to create quarters.
  6. Split hot dog buns open and lay them flat in the bottom of the casserole dish, cut side up. Tear buns to fill gaps if needed.
  7. Spoon half the chili evenly over the buns. Arrange sliced hot dogs on top. Pour remaining chili over hot dogs and smooth to cover.
  8. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions and parsley.
  11. Slice into squares or scoop with a spatula and serve hot.

Notes

For vegetarian, use plant-based crumbles and veggie dogs. For gluten-free, use GF buns. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. If chili is too dry, add 1/4 cup water during assembly. Toast buns for extra crunch. Make chili ahead for faster assembly. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner servings.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, super bowl recipe, game day food, comfort food, easy casserole, hot dog bake, kid friendly, potluck, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/super-bowl-chili-cheese-dog-casserole-easy-game-day-comfort-food/