Chili Dog Casserole

This easy chili dog casserole is loaded with zesty, seasoned ground beef and sliced hot dogs, topped with melted cheddar and a fluffy cornbread crust. It’s the kind of simple comfort food that brings the whole family to the table.

If you love easy casseroles with a cornbread topping, you’ll also want to try this ground beef casserole with cornbread, a Jiffy cornbread taco bake, or this Sloppy Joe cornbread casserole.

Before You Get Started

A few quick tips to set you up for success:

• Use an oven-proof skillet. A 10-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly and means fewer dishes. If you don’t have one, transfer the filling to an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9-inch baking dish, a deep-dish pie plate, or any 2-quart casserole dish before adding the topping.
• Let the filling simmer before topping. Cooking the chili mixture for about 5 minutes helps it thicken so the cornbread doesn’t get soggy on the bottom.
• Check the cornbread with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the crust before pulling the casserole out of the oven. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

How to Make Chili Dog Casserole

This hot dog casserole with chili and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it comes together in about 40 minutes. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Chili Filling

Preheat your oven to 400°F. 

In a 10-inch oven-proof skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.

Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor. You’ll use about half of a 6-ounce can.

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly so the topping has a sturdy base.

Step 2: Add the Cheese Layer

Once the filling has thickened, smooth it into an even layer in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a melty cheese layer between the chili and the cornbread.

⇢ Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can also use Colby, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or American cheese.

Step 3: Make the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the Jiffy corn muffin mix, milk, egg, and the remaining cheese until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Pour the batter over the filling in the skillet. Use a spatula to spread it in an even layer, making sure to seal the edges so the chili doesn’t bubble through during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 22 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite chili dog toppings like chopped onions, extra cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced black olives.

Other Topping Ideas

The cornbread crust is classic, but you can easily switch up the topping based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

Cornbread Topping (Jiffy Mix): This is the version in the recipe card below. It’s sweet, fluffy, and bakes up golden brown. You can also make the cornbread from scratch if you prefer.

Tater Tot Topping: Skip the cornbread batter and top the cheesy chili filling with a single layer of frozen tater tots instead. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden. This version gives you that crunchy, kid-friendly appeal.

Fritos or Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a no-bake crunch, skip the oven topping altogether and sprinkle crushed Fritos or tortilla chips over the hot filling right before serving. If you like this style, you might also enjoy Frito pie.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a simple side rounds out the meal. Here are a few favorites:

• Fried Okra
• Homemade Coleslaw or Vinegar Coleslaw
• Cucumber Salad with Vinegar or Cucumber Dill Salad
• Green Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
• Arkansas Green Beans
• Southern Succotash

Storage Tips

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container or tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

To Freeze (before baking): Assemble the casserole with the cornbread batter on top, then place it in the freezer uncovered for about an hour to let the topping firm up. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Bake from Frozen: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake straight from the freezer for about 60 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Easy Substitutions

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Add veggies: Stir a small can of corn or baked beans into the chili filling. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or grated carrots also work well.
• Skip the cheese: The casserole is still tasty without cheese if you need to leave it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chili works best for chili dog casserole?

This recipe uses a quick homemade chili made with ground beef, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. It’s more flavorful and thicker than canned chili, which helps the topping bake up properly. If you’re short on time, you can use about 2 cups of your favorite canned chili (no beans works best), but the homemade version only takes a few extra minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole through adding the cornbread batter, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time).

What can I use instead of Jiffy mix?

Any boxed corn muffin mix will work. You can also make a simple cornbread batter from scratch if you prefer. For a completely different topping, try frozen tater tots or crushed Fritos.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double all of the ingredients and bake the casserole in a 9 x 13-inch dish. You’ll need to increase the baking time by a few minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

More Easy Casserole Dinners

• Pulled Pork Casserole with Cornbread Topping
• One-Pot Chili Mac
• Tamale Pie
• Taco Pie
• Chicken Chili Casserole