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Chili Cheese Dog Bake

Chili Cheese Dog Bake
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A hearty and comforting Chili Cheese Dog Bake that combines juicy hot dogs, savory chili, and melty cheese in a single easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, this recipe brings bold flavors and a satisfying cheesy finish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Hot Dogs & Bread

  • 8 hot dogs (your choice of variety)
  • 4 hot dog buns or equivalent bread pieces

Chili Mix

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup canned beans (such as kidney or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Pour in tomato sauce and canned beans, then let the mixture simmer gently to develop rich, savory flavors.
  2. Slice the hot dogs: While the chili simmers, slice the hot dogs into bite-sized rounds or small chunks to ensure even distribution throughout the bake.
  3. Assemble the bake: Grease a baking dish and layer the bottom with sliced hot dog buns or torn bread pieces. Spoon the prepared chili evenly over the bread, then scatter sliced hot dogs on top. Finish by generously sprinkling shredded cheese over the entire dish.
  4. Bake until bubbly: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a golden crust on top.
  5. Let it rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the dish set, making it easier to portion and enjoy without losing any cheesy chili goodness.

Notes

  • Use high-quality hot dogs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Allow the chili to simmer long enough so the flavors meld perfectly.
  • For extra cheesiness, add some shredded cheese between the chili and hot dogs as well as on top.
  • Slightly stale or day-old buns absorb chili better without becoming mushy.
  • Let the bake cool slightly before serving so it sets properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dog bake, hot dog casserole, game day recipe, comfort food, cheesy bake

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/chili-cheese-dog-bake/