Instructions
1. PREHEAT OVEN AND PREP PANS
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for accommodating all the hot dogs and ensuring even baking.
2. COOK THE CHILI
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the chili thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. ASSEMBLE THE BAKE
Slice the hot dogs lengthwise (but not all the way through) and stuff them with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the stuffed hot dogs in the buns and arrange them side by side in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the cooked chili over the hot dogs, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
4. BAKE
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the buns are lightly toasted.
5. SERVE
Let the Chili Cheese Dog Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese melted and stringy, and the chili rich and comforting.
Final Touch
This Chili Cheese Dog Bake is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that invites everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a moment of pure comfort food bliss. It’s a dish that promises warmth, satisfaction, and a reason for guests to linger longer, sharing stories and creating memories over a meal that’s both simple and extravagantly delicious. Serve this with a side of crispy fries or a light salad, and you have a meal that’s sure to impress.
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