Description
Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole
Ingredients:
8 hot dogs
8 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
3 cups chili (homemade or canned)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Assemble the Hot Dogs: Wrap each hot dog in a tortilla and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
3. Add the Chili: Pour the chili evenly over the wrapped hot dogs, ensuring all are covered.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili layer.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. First, ensure your chili is ready and slightly warm for easier pouring. When wrapping the hot dogs, place a hot dog near the edge of a tortilla, roll it tightly, and secure the seam-side down firmly in the greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pack them snugly to prevent unrolling. When adding the chili, use a ladle to distribute it evenly, making sure it seeps down between the wrapped dogs. For the cheese, a pre-shredded blend works, but freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly. Bake on the middle rack until the cheese is golden and the edges are bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with dollops of cool sour cream, creamy avocado slices, or a drizzle of spicy sriracha. A crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw balances the richness. For a fun presentation, serve directly from the dish with extra chopped onions, pickled jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
How-to Summary
In brief: Preheat oven to 375°F. Wrap hot dogs in tortillas and place seam-side down in a greased dish. Cover evenly with chili, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What are good chili alternatives? Use vegetarian chili, a can of seasoned bean dip, or even a quick meat sauce made with ground beef and taco seasoning.
Can I use different tortillas? Absolutely. Corn tortillas add authentic flavor but can crack; warm them first. Large burrito-size tortillas can be cut in half for smaller wraps.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Is there a lower-carb option? Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves (like romaine) for a wrap-style bake, or use low-carb tortillas. The baking time may reduce slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Using cold, thick chili that doesn’t spread evenly. Not placing tortillas seam-side down, causing them to unravel. Overfilling the dish, which leads to messy spillovers. Overbaking, which can make the tortilla edges too hard. Skipping the garnish; the green onions add a necessary fresh contrast to the rich cheese and chili.
Conclusion
This Chili Cheese Hot Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining classic flavors into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s endlessly customizable, forgiving for weeknights, and perfect for casual gatherings. With the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common errors and tailor it to your taste. Give this recipe a try for a fun, delicious, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.