End Zone Chili Cheese Dog Casserole (Print Version)
This crowd-pleasing bake combines halal beef hot dogs, rich chili, and melted cheese, ideal for game day or family meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 8 halal beef hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 pound halal ground beef
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Canned and Pantry
06 - 2 cans (15 ounce each) chili beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 ounce) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
→ Spices
10 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
14 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy
15 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (halal-certified)
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (halal-certified)
→ Other
17 - 6 hot dog buns (halal-certified), sliced in half
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 4 minutes.
03 - Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
05 - Incorporate the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained chili beans into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Arrange the halved hot dog buns, cut side up, in a single layer within the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the sliced hot dogs over the buns.
07 - Pour the prepared chili mixture over the hot dogs and buns, spreading it evenly across the dish. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the chili layer.
08 - Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
09 - Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before portioning and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This casserole is truly the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering all the nostalgic flavors of chili cheese dogs in an easy-to-serve format.
- You can pull it together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings where you need a comforting meal without fuss.
02 -
- Always ensure you drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning; it prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and heavy.
- Don't be afraid to taste the chili mixture and adjust the seasonings — a pinch more salt or a dash of chili powder can truly perfect its flavor profile.
03 -
- To ensure your cheese melts perfectly and tastes its best, always shred it yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Don't rush the resting time after baking; letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes helps the cheese and chili set, making for cleaner slices and richer flavor distribution.