Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake

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Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake: A Family Favorite with a Twist!

Get ready to serve up a fun, incredibly satisfying, and utterly delicious meal with this Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake! This creative casserole takes everything you love about a classic chili cheese dog and wraps it in a warm, buttery crescent roll for an irresistible twist. Imagine savory ground beef and hot dogs mingling in a rich chili sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, and enveloped by soft, golden crescent dough. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience in every bite!

This bake is a fantastic choice for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or game nights. It’s surprisingly easy to put together but delivers big, bold flavors and a wonderful combination of textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Prepare for smiles and satisfied sighs all around!

Ingredients:

  • 8 beef or turkey hot dogs
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough (such as Pillsbury Crescent Rolls)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup thick chili (no beans) (canned or homemade, ensure it’s a thick, hearty chili)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning beef)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Hot Dogs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the hot dogs into ½-inch rounds.

  2. Brown Ground Beef & Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped small onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

  3. Simmer the Chili Base: Stir in the thick chili (no beans) and ½ cup tomato sauce with the ground beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the sliced hot dogs and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Pour the hot dog and chili-beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
    • Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough. Separate the dough into 8 triangles.
    • Arrange the crescent dough triangles over the chili and cheese layer. You can arrange them so they slightly overlap, covering most of the casserole, or space them out a bit.

  5. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese underneath is completely melted and bubbly.

  6. Add Final Cheese & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the hot crescent dough. Return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the added cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food casserole with a delightful crescent roll twist!

Tips & Variations:

  • Chili Consistency: Ensure your chili is thick; if it’s too watery, the crescent dough might become soggy. If using a thinner chili, simmer it longer to reduce moisture before adding to the bake.
  • Cheese Please: Feel free to use a different blend of cheeses, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or use a spicier chili for an extra kick.
  • Add Veggies: For added texture and nutrition, you could stir in a small can of drained corn or black olives with the chili.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions after baking adds a nice fresh touch.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili-beef-hot dog mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with fresh crescent dough and cheese just before baking.

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