Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dog Green Bean Casserole

Growing up in a household where budget-friendly meals were necessary, not just a choice, I developed a deep appreciation for recipes that transform simple ingredients into something special. This hot dog casserole was born on a particularly challenging week when my grocery budget was thin, and the refrigerator looked sparse.

With just a package of hot dogs, some cheese slices, a can of green beans, and that ever-reliable can of cream of mushroom soup sitting in the pantry, I decided to experiment. What initially started as a “clean out the fridge” meal quickly became a family favorite that my kids repeatedly requested.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Why This Recipe Works

This hot dog casserole succeeds by cleverly transforming everyday ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal that satisfies on multiple levels. The recipe unexpectedly combines two familiar favorites: hot dogs and green bean casserole. The hot dogs are split and stuffed with cheese, which melts into the creamy mushroom sauce as they bake, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish. The cream of mushroom soup provides a rich, savory base that coats the green beans and infuses everything with flavor.

Meanwhile, the bacon topping adds a crispy, smoky element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture below. By layering these components rather than mixing them all together, each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy, creamy, savory, and cheesy. This strategic approach elevates simple ingredients into a cohesive dish that’s considerably more than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon – Adds crispy texture and smoky flavor as the perfect topping
• Cream of mushroom soup – Creates the creamy, savory base of the casserole
• Milk – Thins the soup to the perfect consistency for baking
• Canned green beans – Provides vegetable content and pairs perfectly with cream of mushroom
• Hot dogs – The star protein that makes this casserole hearty and kid-friendly
• American cheese slices – Melts beautifully inside the hot dogs for gooey pockets of cheese

Ingredient Notes

Use your favorite brand of canned green beans in this recipe. Libby’s Cut Green Beans is a good choice if you buy ingredients, especially for this recipe.

You can also use frozen green beans, but thaw them a little by placing them in a colander and running them under cool water. Dry well before using.

Feel free to substitute a processed cheese such as Velveeta instead of American cheese. You can even add a bit of heat with Velveeta Mexican Cheese.

Stay away from any cheeses that won’t melt well in the oven. 

How to Make Hot Dog Casserole

These are the steps to make this simple hot dog casserole:

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir a can of cream of mushroom soup and the milk together. Depending on the brand of cream of mushroom soup you use, you may have to add a little more milk to ensure a smooth consistency. 
2. Drain a can of green beans and dump them into the mixing bowl. Gently stir to coat the beans thoroughly.
3. Transfer the contents of the mixing bowl into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Wipe off any splatter on the sides of the baking dish to prevent burning.

4. Cut the cheese into eight, four-inch-long, quarter-inch-thick slices. Cut each piece of bacon in half.
5. Slice the raw hot dogs lengthwise, being careful not to slice the hot dogs in half. 
6. Lay the hot dogs with the cut-side up evenly on top of the green bean mixture in the baking dish.
7. Stuff the hot dogs with cheese. 
8. Lay bacon on top of the hot dogs.

9. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the bacon cooks through.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Casseroles are great recipes for adding your personality and preferences. Here are a few suggestions you may want to try:

• Swap out the hot dogs for kielbasa or chorizo sausage.
• Use vegetarian hot dogs and bacon to make a vegetarian version.
• Try sprinkling crispy onions on top of the casserole for that traditional green bean casserole taste. 
• Is someone in your family not a fan of mushrooms? Change things up by using a different soup such as cheddar cheese, nacho cheese, or even a béchamel sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store covered leftovers for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 6 months
• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake (may need extra 5-10 minutes if baking from cold)
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen, then reheat covered at 350°F for 20 minutes
• Freshening tip: Sprinkle with a bit of fresh cheese during reheating to restore the gooey texture

Favorite Hot Dog Recipes

• Air Fryer Hot Dogs
• Hot Dogs in the Oven
• Mini Corn Dogs

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Check out more of my easy casserole recipes and the best budget friendly recipes here on CopyKat!

Recipe source: Ethel Eynard, Jefferson City, MO. 1998.