Fully Loaded Classic Chili Cheese Dog (Print Version)
Cheesy chili, juicy hot dogs, soft buns, and toppings baked together for an irresistible comfort food classic.
# Ingredients:
→ Chili Base
01 -
680 g ground beef
02 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
03 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
425 g tomato sauce
05 -
410 g canned diced tomatoes
06 -
425 g kidney beans or chili beans, drained (optional)
07 -
30 ml tomato paste
08 -
10 ml chili powder
09 -
5 ml ground cumin
10 -
5 ml smoked paprika
11 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 -
15 ml olive oil
→ Casserole Layer
13 -
8 hot dogs
14 -
8 hot dog buns, split (optional to toast lightly)
15 -
200 g shredded cheddar cheese
16 -
60 g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
17 -
40 g diced red onion
18 -
30 ml chopped pickled jalapeños or green chilies (optional)
19 -
Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 190°C and lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 -
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned throughout. Drain excess fat.
04 -
Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney or chili beans (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 -
Spread the chili evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange hot dogs evenly over the chili. Place an open hot dog bun over each hot dog or tuck halved buns beside the hot dogs according to preference.
06 -
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the buns and hot dogs, then scatter diced red onion and jalapeños if desired.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and buns are lightly toasted.
08 -
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by pickles or coleslaw.
# Notes:
01 -
To enhance flavor, lightly toast buns before assembling for improved texture and to prevent sogginess.