These Chili Cheese Dogs are the ultimate comfort food! They combine the savory goodness of hot dog sausages, rich homemade chili, and gooey cheddar cheese all nestled in a soft hot dog bun. Whether you’re preparing them for game day, a family dinner, or just craving a satisfying meal, these chili dogs take your hot dog experience to the next level.
Why You’ll Love Chili Cheese Dogs
- Soft Buns: Instead of grilling the buns, the oven results in a soft, pillowy steamed bun that complements the chili and cheese.
- Rich & Hearty: The combination of homemade chili and premium beef hot dog sausages provides a heartwarming, filling meal. The tomato sauce in the chili adds a tangy touch, while the chili powder create a savory, hearty base for the chili.
- Customizable Toppings: You can customize your chili cheese dogs with onions, jalapeños, or even dill relish. The flexibility in toppings allows you to create a chili cheese dog exactly how you like it.
- Family Friendly: Chili cheese dogs are perfect for family nights or gatherings with friends. They’re easy to make, filling, and customizable to suit everyones taste.
Ingredients
- Hot Dog Buns
- Hot Dog Weenies
- Ground Beef
- Tomato Sauce
- Yellow Onion
- Chili Seasoning
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
How To Make Chili Cheese Dogs
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and red onions. Cook until the beef is browned with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well and let it simmer on low heat until the chili mixture is heated through.
Next, in a 9×13 casserole dish, line up hot dog buns in a row and place hot dog sausages into each bun. Top with the homemade hot dog chili mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, comforting chili dog recipe!
Tip and Tricks for Easy Chili Dogs
- Making Chili Ahead of Time: For the best flavor, make your homemade chili ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, making your chili even more delicious when it’s time to top your hot dogs.
- Baking For Optimal Melting: When you bake your chili cheese dogs, make sure to bake them at a moderate medium heat (around 350 degrees) to ensure the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the chili or hot dog. Also, make sure they are covered with foil before baking, otherwise they will dry out.
- Toppings: After baking, garnish your chili cheese dog with fresh toppings like onions, jalapeños, relish or even a slice of American cheese for added flavor.
How To Store Leftovers
- Separate Chili & Hot Dogs: If you have leftover chili cheese dogs, store the chili and hot dogs separately in airtight containers. The chili can last in the fridge for up to 4 days, while the hot dogs can be stored for 2 days.
- Reheat Properly: To reheat, warm the chili on the stove in a small pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat the hot dogs in the microwave or in the oven to keep them moist. When serving, bake the chili cheese dogs again briefly to melt the cheese.
- Freeze: You can freeze the home hot dog chili for up to 3 months.
FAQ
- Can I prepare chili cheese dogs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chili cheese dogs up to the baking step. Assemble the hot dog buns with the hot dog sausages, top with homemade chili, and cheddar cheese, then cover with foil. Store the assembled dish in the fridge for up to a day, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I add extra toppings to my chili cheese dogs? Of course! You can add any toppings you like, such as red onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Ingredients
- 6 Hot Dog Buns
- 6 Hot Dog Weenies
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ Yellow Onion finely diced
- 1 packet Chili Seasoning
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add in the ground beef and onions. Cook until no pink is noted. Drain off all excess grease then add in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, chili seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined and then simmer on low heat until mixture is hot.
- In a 9x13 casserole dish place the bun in a row and then place the hot dog weenies into the bun. Top with chili and then shredded cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
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