Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Craving a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to a potluck? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for a Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole. Imagine all the flavors of a classic chili dog, but baked into a cozy and comforting dish that’s guaranteed to impress. The bubbling chili base topped with juicy hot dogs, melty cheese, and an array of fresh toppings truly makes this casserole a showstopper.

This recipe is a real winner for busy nights when unexpected guests show up or when you just want a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. The combination of smoky paprika in the chili, gooey melted cheddar, and the fun of customizing with extra toppings is sure to make this dish a favorite at your table too. Plus, with tips on how to customize for dietary preferences and storing leftovers, you can enjoy this delicious casserole any time.

So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a cozy meal that brings everyone together, this Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole is the perfect choice. With its blend of nostalgic flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a regular feature on your menu rotation. Get ready to create a dish that’s all about big flavors, happy faces, and unforgettable moments shared around the table.

Quick Benefits

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or busy nights when you want a satisfying and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles, adjusting spice levels, or omitting beans to suit different dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the chili base and assemble the casserole in advance, then bake when ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.
• Flavorful Toppings: From gooey melted cheese to fresh herbs, diced onions, and pickled jalapeños, the toppings add color, texture, and extra layers of flavor to the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy family nights or when hosting friends, this dish offers the classic flavors of chili cheese dogs in a convenient casserole form that everyone will love.
• Wow Factor: Impress your guests with this loaded chili cheese dog casserole that combines juicy hot dogs, melty cheese, and flavorful chili topped with fresh garnishes for an eye-catching and delicious dish.
• Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a crowd or taking to potlucks, this casserole serves the whole table and is sure to be a hit with its hearty and satisfying combination of flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version, swapping kidney beans for black beans, or choosing different types of cheese and sausages based on personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the chili and assemble the casserole in advance to save time, then bake just before serving for a convenient meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Nostalgic Twist: Inspired by American ballpark chili dogs, this casserole offers a taste of childhood nostalgia with a modern twist, making it a favorite dish for gatherings and celebrations.
• Simple and Flavorful: With its big flavors and easy preparation, this chili cheese dog bake focuses on bringing people together with a smile, making it a go-to recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Chili Base

• 30 ml tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ml olive oil
• 680 g ground beef
• 425 g tomato sauce
• 5 ml smoked paprika
• 5 ml ground cumin
• 425 g kidney beans or chili beans, drained (optional)
• 410 g canned diced tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 10 ml chili powder
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Casserole Layer

• 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
• 60 g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 30 ml chopped pickled jalapeños or green chilies (optional)
• 8 hot dog buns, split (optional to toast lightly)
• 8 hot dogs
• 40 g diced red onion

Pro Tips for Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

For the ultimate flavor boost in your Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole, consider using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a more complex and gooey topping.

To ensure your buns stay deliciously crispy in the casserole, lightly toast them before assembling the dish. This will help them hold up to the chili base without getting soggy.

For a spicier kick, don’t hesitate to customize the chili base with additional chili powder, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to suit your taste preferences. It’s an easy way to amp up the heat level and tailor the dish to your liking.

How to Make Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 190°C and lightly grease a 23×33 cm baking dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Simmer Chili Base

Combine tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney or chili beans (if desired), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Evenly spread chili in the baking dish. Arrange hot dogs on top of the chili. Place an open hot dog bun over each hot dog or position halved buns next to the hot dogs as desired.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Toppings

Evenly sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the buns and hot dogs, then add diced red onion and jalapeños if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake without a cover for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and buns are lightly toasted.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with pickles or coleslaw, if desired.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before storing. Cover it tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to four days. It’s recommended to use glass containers for storage as they do not retain strong spice scents, preserving the dish’s original flavors. For longer-term storage, portion the casserole into freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy the frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To elevate the dish or accommodate different preferences, feel free to make some variations. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist or a vegetarian version. If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, simply omit them or substitute with black beans. Additionally, choosing a different type of sausage for the hot dogs allows for personalization based on your taste preferences. Whether serving it for a casual family dinner or a party, consider pairing the casserole with simple sides like tangy coleslaw, garlicky dill pickles, or a crisp green salad. Providing squeeze bottles of mustard and ketchup can add an extra element of fun for guests to customize their servings.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this loaded chili cheese dog casserole, consider using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. This substitution can reduce the overall calorie and fat content while still providing a delicious and satisfying dish.

If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, feel free to omit them from the recipe or replace them with black beans for a different twist. This substitution can alter the texture slightly but will still provide a tasty bean element to the chili base.

Experiment with different cheese options to customize the flavor profile of the casserole. While cheddar cheese is classic, you can try using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for added complexity and gooey meltiness. Each cheese variety will bring its own unique taste to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on the Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole, consider individualizing the servings by assembling mini chili cheese dog boats. Instead of a casserole dish, use hollowed-out mini baguettes or hot dog buns to create individual vessels. Fill each boat with a generous scoop of the hearty chili base, a hot dog, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with diced red onions, pickled jalapeños, and fresh herbs for a delightful handheld version of this comforting dish.

Another creative serving idea is to deconstruct the Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog casserole into a build-your-own chili cheese dog bar. Set up a spread with the chili base in a slow cooker, a basket of toasted hot dog buns, a variety of cheeses, chopped onions, pickled jalapeños, and fresh herbs for toppings. Let your guests customize their chili cheese dogs with their favorite ingredients, creating a fun and interactive dining experience that’s perfect for gatherings or game day parties.

FAQs for Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or ground turkey. You can also omit the hot dogs or use vegetarian hot dogs to make it completely meat-free.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole for up to two months. Portion it into freezer bags, thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat when ready to enjoy.

What are some alternative toppings I can use for this chili cheese dog casserole?

Aside from the suggested toppings, you can also try toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped scallions, avocado slices, sour cream, or crumbled bacon to customize your casserole.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier chili cheese dog casserole, you can add more chili powder, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the chili base to turn up the heat to your liking.

Conclusion

Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog: a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation! Whether you’re hosting a potluck, feeding a hungry family, or simply looking for a comforting meal with a twist, this chili cheese dog casserole has you covered. The combination of hearty chili, juicy hot dogs, and gooey melted cheese is a winning formula that never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Customize it with your favorite toppings, experiment with different types of cheese, or even try a vegetarian twist by swapping in plant-based crumbles. The beauty of the Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog lies in its versatility and adaptability to suit any taste preferences.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, dig into a generous serving of this delectable casserole, and savor the smiles and satisfied bellies it brings. With its nostalgic flavors and comforting appeal, this dish is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every bite of this Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog creation!