Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, chili beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Spread half of the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange half the sliced hot dogs on top.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese and half of the crushed chips.
- Repeat layers with the remaining beef mixture, hot dogs, cheese, and chips.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Chili Twist: Swap chili beans for black beans or kidney beans.
- Topping Fun: Add sour cream, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños before serving.
Tips:
- Use sturdy chips (like Fritos or thick tortilla chips) to keep their crunch when baked.
- For extra chili dog flavor, drizzle yellow mustard on top just before serving.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into it—it helps the layers hold together.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
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Fully Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavor. It’s a fun way to bring chili dogs to the dinner table without the mess, making it a family-friendly favorite.