Irresistible Baked Chili Dogs Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting the ultimate baked chili dogs recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty and packed with flavor, this dish transforms ordinary hot dogs into a mouthwatering meal.

Melted cheese, zesty chili, and perfectly baked buns create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

Forget bland weeknight dinners – this recipe promises excitement in every single bite.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a go-to option for quick and satisfying meals.

Each chili dog delivers a punch of robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible culinary creation that turns a classic favorite into something extraordinary.

Chili Dogs That Bake Up with Big Flavor

• Satisfy Crowd-Pleasing Cravings: This baked chili dog recipe delivers ultimate comfort food that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love, making it perfect for casual gatherings and game day parties.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: With minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredients, home cooks can easily assemble this dish without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.
• Customize Your Feast: Personalize the chili dogs by adding favorite toppings like jalapeños, extra cheese, or different crunchy garnishes to match individual taste preferences and make each serving unique.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring just a few minutes of hands-on preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe offers a delicious solution for busy families seeking a fast and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients for Baked Chili Dogs

• Hot Dogs: Classic protein base for the dish.
• Hot Dog Buns: Soft bread base for holding the hot dogs.
• Chili: Hearty meat and bean sauce topping.

• Ground Beef: Flavorful base for the chili.
• Beans: Adds texture and substance to the chili.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping for added richness.

• Onions, Tomatoes, Seasonings: Enhance the chili's flavor.

• Sour Cream, Green Onions, Crushed Fritos: Fresh and crunchy final touch.

Baked Chili Dogs Step-by-Step

Step 1: Brown Ground Meat

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium-high heat until it turns brown. Break up the meat into small crumbles while cooking. Once fully cooked, drain away the excess fat.

Step 2: Create Hearty Chili Base

• Diced onions
• Kidney beans
• Crushed tomatoes
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Warm The Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and let it preheat completely while you prepare the hot dogs.

Step 4: Prepare Chili Dogs

Arrange hot dogs inside soft buns in a large baking dish. Generously spoon the homemade chili over each hot dog. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and looks golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Customize And Serve

• Dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed corn chips

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes That Help with Chili Dogs

• Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground turkey or lean beef to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Spice It Up: Adjust chili seasoning by adding extra cayenne or chili powder for more heat or reducing for milder taste.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini into chili for extra nutrition and subtle vegetable sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns and check chili ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Best Way To Store Baked Chili Dogs

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the chili dogs are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chili dogs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chili dogs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed completely.

What Pairs with Baked Chili Dogs

• Pair with Crisp Beer Blast: Select a cold, light lager or pale ale that cuts through the rich, spicy chili and cleanses your palate between bites.
• Complement with Tangy Coleslaw: Whip up a zesty, vinegar-based coleslaw that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, hearty chili dogs.
• Balance with Pickle Crunch: Add dill pickle spears or slices on the side to introduce a sharp, acidic element that brightens the heavy, meaty dish.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Prepare a cool ranch or blue cheese dip that tames the chili's heat and adds a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the spicy flavors.

Chili Dog Topping Suggestions

• Vegetarian Chili Dogs
• Low-Carb Chili Dog Boats: Skip traditional buns and use hollowed zucchini or bell peppers as boat-like containers. Top with chili and cheese for a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free hot dog buns or use lettuce wraps. Ensure chili ingredients are certified gluten-free and check seasoning labels carefully.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chipotle powder into chili for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, or use hot sauce to kick up the heat according to your preference.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cuts of ground meat, buy store-brand ingredients, and look for sales on hot dogs and cheese to reduce overall cost.

• Can I prepare the chili in advance?

Definitely. You can make the chili a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator, which can actually enhance the flavors before assembling the chili dogs.

Baked Chili Dogs Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chili Dogs bring classic American comfort to your dinner table, combining juicy hot dogs nestled in toasted buns with rich, spicy chili. Melted cheese and zesty toppings elevate this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) ground beef or turkey
• 8 hot dogs
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) diced tomatoes, undrained

Toppings and Accompaniments:

• 8 hot dog buns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup crushed Fritos corn chips

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust chili base by sautéing ground meat in a spacious skillet, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat, then incorporate finely diced onions for aromatic depth.
2. Infuse the meat mixture with kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of robust seasonings, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken through gentle simmering.
3. Calibrate the oven temperature to a precise 375°F, ensuring optimal heat distribution for the upcoming culinary creation.
4. Nestle hot dogs securely within their soft bun housing, arranging them systematically in a ceramic or glass baking vessel.
5. Lavishly cascade the prepared chili across the hot dog landscape, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
6. Generously sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheese over the chili-topped ensemble, creating a melting canvas of dairy richness.
7. Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing 15-20 minutes for transformative heating and cheese melting.
8. Upon emergence, crown the baked masterpiece with dollops of cool sour cream, delicately sliced green onions, and a crunchy constellation of crushed Fritos for textural contrast.
9. Serve immediately while the cheese remains molten and the flavors are at their peak intensity.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the classic chili dog.
• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free buns to accommodate different dietary needs and add extra nutrition.
• Customize the chili’s heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Prepare chili ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors and make meal prep easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg