Chili Cheese Dog Bake with Buttery Buns

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Chili Cheese Dog Bake with Buttery Buns: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole!

Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser and comfort food sensation with this incredible Chili Cheese Dog Bake with Buttery Buns! This dish takes everything you love about a classic chili cheese dog and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying casserole. Imagine tender hot dogs and savory ground beef swimming in rich, flavorful chili, all generously topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese, and nestled among soft, buttery hot dog buns. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort in every single scoop!

This bake is perfect for game days, casual family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting meal that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and delivers a fantastic blend of textures and bold, savory flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 8 beef or turkey hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans, or 1½ cups homemade chili)
  • 1 can (8-count) soft hot dog buns or dinner rolls, sliced in half horizontally (or pulled apart if using dinner rolls)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping, if desired)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing buns)

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl (for melted butter)
  • Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Slice the hot dog buns in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

  2. Brown Ground Beef: 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.

  3. Season & Simmer Chili Base: Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the canned chili (or homemade chili) to the skillet with the beef. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the sliced hot dogs and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Pour the hot dog and chili-beef mixture evenly over the bottom bun halves in the baking dish.
    • Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
    • Place the top halves of the hot dog buns over the cheese, completing the “sandwiches” within the casserole.
    • In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Brush the tops of the buns generously with the melted butter.

  5. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. If you want even more melted cheese, you can add an extra sprinkle over the top buns during the last 5 minutes of baking.

  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove the Chili Cheese Dog Bake from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve warm directly from the dish and enjoy this ultimate comfort food casserole!

Tips & Variations:

  • Spice Level: To add a kick, use spicy chili, or stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chili-beef mixture.
  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to use a different cheese that melts well, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding a small can of drained corn or black beans to the chili mixture.
  • Onion Power: If you like more onion flavor, you can sauté ½ cup of diced onion with the ground beef in step 2.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili-beef-hot dog mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking, adding fresh buns and cheese.
  • Serve With: Offer extra condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, or a dollop of sour cream on the side for customizable enjoyment.

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