Keto Chili Dog Casserole

When you’re craving comfort food but need to stick to your keto macros, this keto chili dog casserole delivers exactly what you want. It takes the nostalgic flavors of chili cheese dogs from ballparks and backyard cookouts and transforms them into an easy, low-carb casserole that’s ready in 35 minutes. Sliced hot dogs get smothered in seasoned ground beef chili and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a meal that satisfies every craving without derailing your diet.

This isn’t one of those keto recipes where you’re trying to convince yourself it tastes like the real thing. It genuinely hits all the same flavor notes as traditional chili dogs—savory beef, smoky spices, tangy tomato sauce, and that essential melted cheese on top. The difference is it skips the bun and focuses on what really matters: the meat, the chili, and the cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Chili Dog Casserole

This casserole comes together incredibly quickly with minimal prep work. You brown some ground beef, season it with classic chili spices, layer everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest. The ingredient list is short and straightforward, using items you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store.

The flavor combination is deeply satisfying in that nostalgic, comfort food way. The hot dogs bring that familiar smoky, salty taste you remember from summer cookouts, while the chili provides savory depth from the beef and warm spices. Melted cheddar cheese on top adds richness and pulls everything together into gooey, delicious bites.

This recipe is incredibly family-friendly, even for those not following keto. Kids especially love the combination of hot dogs and cheese, making this an easy sell for the whole table. The macros work perfectly for keto with high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbs when you use quality all-beef hot dogs without added sugars. Plus, leftovers taste even better as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator.

Ingredients for Keto Chili Dog Casserole

When choosing hot dogs for this recipe, read labels carefully. Many brands add corn syrup or other sugars that can add unexpected carbs. Look for all-beef hot dogs labeled “no sugar added” or “uncured” to keep this truly keto-friendly.

The Base:

• 8-10 all-beef hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch rounds

The Keto Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced (small)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

The Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, or a dollop of sour cream

Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. Leaner beef like 90/10 will be drier and less flavorful. The fat from the beef adds to your keto macros and keeps the chili moist and rich.

Shred your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded if possible. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts into that perfect gooey, bubbly topping you want.

How to Make Keto Chili Dog Casserole

The process is straightforward: make the chili on the stovetop, assemble everything in a baking dish, and let the oven finish the job.

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, cooking spray, or oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, creating small crumbles rather than large chunks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining and the onion pieces are translucent and soft. The onion should smell sweet and be starting to turn golden at the edges. Drain any excess fat from the pan by carefully tilting it and spooning out the grease, or pour the mixture through a colander. This step is important because too much grease will make the casserole oily rather than flavorful.

3. Build the Chili: Return the drained beef and onion to the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together. The chili should look rich and cohesive, not watery or separated.

4. Assemble: While the chili simmers, slice your hot dogs into 1-inch rounds. Arrange them in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. They can touch but shouldn’t be stacked on top of each other. Pour the hot chili mixture evenly over the hot dog rounds, using a spoon to spread it if needed so everything is covered.

5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously and evenly over the entire top of the casserole. Make sure you get cheese coverage all the way to the edges so every serving gets plenty of melted cheese.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the hot dogs are heated through, the chili is bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is completely melted with golden-brown spots starting to form on top. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off when you scoop portions. Top individual servings with sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

The finished casserole should be rich, cheesy, and aromatic with those warm chili spices filling your kitchen.

What to Serve with Keto Chili Dog Casserole

Since this casserole is already quite rich and filling, pair it with lighter, fresher sides that add crunch and balance.

Simple Green Salad: A basic salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed with olive oil and vinegar cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef. The crisp vegetables and acidic dressing refresh your palate between bites.

Keto Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, a mayo-based dressing, and a touch of vinegar provides cool, crunchy contrast. The creamy dressing complements the casserole while the cabbage adds texture.

Roasted Cauliflower: Simple roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper offer a mild, slightly sweet vegetable side that doesn’t compete with the bold flavors of the chili dogs.

Dill Pickles: Serve dill pickle spears on the side just like you’d get with a real chili dog. The tangy, briny crunch is the perfect accompaniment and adds that authentic chili dog experience.

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli with butter and a squeeze of lemon provides green vegetables and a fresh element that balances the heavy, meaty casserole.

Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices add healthy fats and a cool, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the spicy chili and melted cheese.

Pro Tips & Variations

Drain the Beef Well: This is the most important step for avoiding a greasy casserole. After browning the beef, drain it thoroughly. Even an 80/20 blend will release enough fat that you need to remove it, or the finished dish will be oily.

Check Hot Dog Labels: Not all hot dogs are created equal when it comes to carbs. Some brands add corn syrup, dextrose, or other sugars. Choose all-beef hot dogs labeled “no sugar added” to keep carbs minimal.

Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the chili simmer for those 5-7 minutes concentrates the flavors and allows the spices to bloom. This step transforms the mixture from separate ingredients into cohesive chili.

Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which also prevents smooth melting. Shred your own from a block for the best, gooiest results.

Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chili mixture for extra heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier version.

Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the top along with the cheese before baking for extra smoky flavor and fat. Bacon makes everything better, including keto chili dog casserole.

Make It Meatier: For a thicker, heartier chili, reduce or omit the tomato sauce and use beef broth with a tablespoon of tomato paste instead. This creates a less saucy, more meat-forward dish.

Sausage Variation: Replace the hot dogs with sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile. The cooking time stays the same.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover keto chili dog casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole actually improves after a day in the fridge as the hot dogs absorb flavors from the chili and everything melds together.

To reheat, scoop individual portions into microwave-safe bowls and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Stir halfway through heating. You can also reheat larger portions in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

This casserole freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may be slightly different after freezing—the cheese might separate a bit—but the flavor remains excellent.

Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top when reheating to restore that gooey, melted cheese experience.

Common Questions

How many carbs are in this recipe? Each serving contains approximately 5-7 net carbs, depending on the specific brands of hot dogs and tomato sauce you use. Always check labels, as some hot dogs can add 2-3 carbs per serving if they contain added sugars.

Can I make this ahead? Yes. Assemble the entire casserole up to the point of adding cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since you’re starting from cold.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan? You can use any oven-safe dish that holds about 3 quarts. An 8×8 square pan works but will create a thicker casserole that may need a few extra minutes of baking time. A larger, shallow casserole dish works perfectly.

Can I use turkey hot dogs? You can, but check the nutrition label carefully. Many turkey hot dogs contain added sugars and fillers that increase the carb count. They also tend to have less fat, which affects your keto macros.

How do I prevent the cheese from getting too brown? If the cheese is browning too quickly but the casserole isn’t heated through, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This allows the heat to penetrate while protecting the cheese from over-browning.

This keto chili dog casserole brings all the comfort and nostalgia of a classic American favorite into a low-carb format that actually satisfies. The combination of savory hot dogs, seasoned beef chili, and melted cheddar cheese creates layers of flavor that make you forget you’re eating keto at all. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, kid-friendly enough for the whole family, and meal-prep friendly enough to enjoy all week long. Make this once and it’ll become one of those recipes you return to again and again when you need dinner on the table fast without compromising your dietary goals.