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Easy One-Pan Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: The Best 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and delicious one-pan chili cheese dog casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, hot dogs, chili, and cheese, this 30-minute meal is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chili (preferably Wolf Brand or Hormel with beans)
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 hot dogs (beef or pork, like Nathan’s or Hebrew National)
  • 6 hot dog buns (sturdy ones)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • Optional toppings: diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, sour cream, or pickled banana peppers

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the can of chili and tomato sauce. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. While chili simmers, slice hot dogs in half lengthwise, leaving them connected on one side. Place hot dog buns in the skillet, cut side up, nestled into the chili mixture.
  6. Lay the split hot dogs on top of the buns, cut side up. Spoon chili mixture generously over each hot dog and around the buns.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything, including some around the buns.
  8. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For darker cheese, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast the buns lightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. Shred your own cheese from a block for better melting. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeño with the onion and use pepper jack cheese. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 90 seconds.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, one-pan dinner, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food, hot dog casserole, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-one-pan-chili-cheese-dog-casserole-the-best-30-minute-dinner/