Description
Chili cheese dog casserole layers familiar flavors into a warm, filling bake. It’s fun, hearty, and easy to love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 hot dogs
- 1 15-ounce can chili with beans
Vegetables and Base:
- 1 8.5-ounce box cornbread mix
- 1 green pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 celery stalk
Dairy, Seasonings, and Oil:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Mix the cornbread batter according to the package. Spread half the batter across the bottom of your prepared dish.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped green pepper, ½ cup diced onion, and ½ cup chopped celery. Sauté until vegetables soften and turn slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slice 4-5 hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet and cook until edges turn golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour 1 can of chili into the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir and heat thoroughly. Mix in ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese until slightly melted.
- Carefully spoon the hot dog and chili mixture over the first layer of cornbread. Cover with remaining cornbread batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Scatter the final ¼ cup of cheddar cheese across the top. Bake uncovered for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Keep your hot dogs sliced evenly to ensure consistent cooking and distribution throughout the casserole.
- Select a good quality cornbread mix for the best base texture and flavor in your dish.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese to add more depth and tanginess to the overall casserole profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey hot dogs and use a low-fat cornbread mix to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 10-11 minutes
- Cook Time: 36-43 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg