Chili Cheese Dog Bake
These hearty oven-baked Chili Cheese Dogs feature plump hot dogs nestled in buns, topped with a savory, thick homemade chili, melted cheddar cheese, and freshly diced onions. A quintessential American favorite, ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 white onion diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, warm the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced white onion (reserve 1/4 cup for garnish, if desired) and sauté briefly for about 20 seconds.
- Incorporate the ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart into small bits, and cook until it is fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Season the chili with salt and black pepper, stir to integrate, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Arrange the hot dog buns on a large baking sheet. Open each bun and place a hot dog inside.
- Spoon approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the prepared chili over each hot dog, followed by about 1/8 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the assembled chili cheese dogs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven. Optionally, top with the reserved diced onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, the chili may be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day to allow the spices to deepen.