Description: A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that transforms classic chili cheese dogs into an easy-to-bake dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings! The ultimate comfort food explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 10–12 turkey or beef hot dogs (whole)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for cheese pull)
- Nonstick spray
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly. Preparing the oven ahead of time will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Dice the yellow onion finely. Finely diced onions cook more evenly and integrate seamlessly into the chili base. This step is crucial for achieving the right flavor and texture.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. This process, also known as sweating the onions, enhances their natural sweetness and creates a foundational flavor base for the chili.
Step 4: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink.
Step 5: Drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the ground beef. Removing the excess fat is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring a richer, cleaner chili flavor.
Step 6: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and garlic powder into the skillet with the ground beef and onions. The tomato paste adds depth and richness, while the tomato sauce forms the base of the chili. Yellow mustard contributes a tangy zest, chili powder lends its signature warmth, and garlic powder provides aromatic undertones.
Step 7: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Remember that salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, while pepper adds a subtle kick.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chili mixture for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This simmering process is essential for creating a well-balanced and flavorful chili base.
Step 9: While the chili simmers, lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and ensure easy removal and cleanup.
Step 10: Spread the prepared chili mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. This layer forms the foundation of the casserole, providing a flavorful base for the hot dogs and cheese.
Step 11: Nestle the whole hot dogs into the chili in tight, evenly spaced rows. Arrange the hot dogs uniformly, ensuring that each bite of the casserole contains a balanced combination of chili, hot dog, and cheese.
Step 12: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot dogs, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. The mozzarella cheese provides excellent stretch and a smooth, creamy texture, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp, robust flavor and a golden-brown melt.
Step 13: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, and the hot dogs are heated through. Keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 14: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents the cheese from being too runny.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Ultra-Melt Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a surefire winner for several reasons. First, it takes the beloved flavors of classic chili cheese dogs and transforms them into an easy-to-bake casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of savory chili, juicy hot dogs, and gooey, melted cheese is simply irresistible, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Secondly, the recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs, experiment with different types of cheese, or add extra vegetables to the chili. This flexibility allows you to create a casserole that perfectly matches your taste and available ingredients.
Finally, the casserole is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for those times when you need a quick and easy dinner solution without sacrificing flavor or quality. The visual appeal of the golden, melted cheese and the enticing aroma of chili and hot dogs are sure to make this casserole a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with your favorite chili toppings, such as diced onions, sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole.
- Pair with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Offer a selection of condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and relish, for those who like to customize their chili cheese dogs.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Tips:
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- To prevent the cheese from burning, tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- For a more robust flavor, use a high-quality chili powder and freshly grated cheese.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made chili or canned hot dog chili in place of the homemade chili.
- To reheat the casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 450 Protein: 25g Sodium: 1200mg
Conclusion:
The Ultra-Melt Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the classic flavors of chili cheese dogs in a convenient and crowd-pleasing format. With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and irresistible taste, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun dish to bring to a potluck, or a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this Ultra-Melt Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy the perfect blend of savory chili, juicy hot dogs, and gooey, melted cheese in every delicious bite!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of the casserole. Pepper jack cheese would add a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack would provide a milder, creamier flavor. A blend of cheddar and Colby cheese would also be a delicious option.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- While you can freeze this casserole, the texture of the chili and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add vegetables to the chili?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables to the chili is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor. Diced bell peppers, onions, or corn would all be excellent additions. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions before adding the ground beef.
- Can I use vegetarian hot dogs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can easily substitute vegetarian hot dogs for the beef or turkey hot dogs. This will make the casserole suitable for vegetarians. Be sure to choose a brand of vegetarian hot dogs that you enjoy, as the flavor and texture can vary.
