Description
Hearty chili cheese dog casserole brings comfort food nostalgia to classic American dinner tables. Layers of hot dogs, melted cheese, and zesty chili create a satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings and weekend family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chili (homemade or canned)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or favorite cheese blend)
- 8 hot dog buns, split open
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried parsley (optional)
- diced onions
- pickled jalapenos
- mustard or ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat: Activate the oven to a commanding 375F (190C), establishing the ideal thermal landscape for this comfort-driven culinary adventure.
- Protein Preparation: Slice hot dogs into enticing bite-sized segments, optionally caramelizing them in a skillet to unlock a deeper, smoky complexity.
- Chili Creation: Develop a robust chili base by combining ground meat, beans, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, and complementary spices, simmering the mixture to concentrate its flavor dimensions for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly melded.
- Layering Foundation: Spread the aromatic chili across a well-greased baking dish, strategically positioning hot dog pieces to ensure comprehensive flavor integration and textural harmony.
- Cheese Infusion: Generously cascade shredded cheese over the chili and hot dogs, creating a molten landscape that promises rich, indulgent coverage.
- Topping Application: Distribute biscuit or cornbread mixture evenly across the cheese layer, crafting a golden, pillowy crown that will transform during baking.
- Baking Transformation: Immerse the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, awaiting the emergence of a burnished, bubbling masterpiece with a perfectly golden surface.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the casserole a brief resting period to stabilize its flavors, then optionally embellish with chopped green onions or sliced jalapeños for a vibrant culinary finale.
Notes
Optimize Hot Dog Placement: Arrange hot dog pieces evenly across the chili layer to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every bite, preventing bland or overcrowded sections.
Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for maximum flavor complexity and smooth, luxurious cheese coverage that complements the spicy chili base.
Control Chili Moisture: Simmer chili until slightly thickened to prevent excess liquid, which could make the casserole soggy and compromise the biscuit or cornbread topping’s crispy texture.
Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based protein for traditional meat, use gluten-free baking mix, and incorporate low-fat cheese options to transform this indulgent dish into a more health-conscious meal without sacrificing robust flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg