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Savory Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe Easy Gooey Melted Cheddar Hot Dogs

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A quick and easy recipe for savory chili cheese dogs topped with gooey melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 all-beef hot dogs (recommend Nathan’s Famous)
  • 8 soft hot dog buns, preferably fresh and slightly toasted
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean to medium fat)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 g)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
  • Optional toppings: diced onions, pickled jalapeños, mustard, diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
  2. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes and kidney beans (if using). Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While chili simmers, grill or pan-fry hot dogs over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through and slightly charred.
  6. Spread butter on the inside of each bun. Toast buns in a hot skillet or grill pan until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  7. Place each hot dog in a toasted bun. Spoon generous amounts of warm chili over the hot dogs, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Place assembled dogs on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Add optional toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or mustard if desired.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is gooey.

Notes

If chili is too thick, add a splash of water or broth during simmering. Shredding your own cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Chili tastes better after sitting overnight. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute cheese and buns accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dogs, hot dogs, cheddar cheese, easy recipe, comfort food, game day food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/savory-chili-cheese-dogs-recipe-easy-gooey-melted-cheddar-hot-dogs/