7 Heaven Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe

Okay, so you know those nights when you’re just craving pure, unadulterated comfort food? That’s when these *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* come to the rescue! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. I’ve been making these for my family for years (I swear, my kids could live on them!), and it’s always a hit. What I love most is how quick and easy they are – perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be surprised how fast you can whip up these delicious *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love These Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Seriously, what’s not to love? These aren’t just any old hot dogs; they’re *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*, and they’re AMAZING! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

Quick and Easy Meal

Busy weeknight? No problem! These come together in under an hour. I mean, who has time to slave over a hot stove all night? Not me!

Ultimate Comfort Food

Ooey, gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor! These *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* are the definition of comfort food. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re getting a big hug from the inside out!

Perfect for Gatherings

Got a party? BBQ? Game night? These are always a hit! They’re easy to eat, totally customizable, and everyone goes crazy for them. Trust me!

Ingredients for Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

Hot Dog Essentials

You’ll need 8 hot dog buns (I like the soft, squishy kind!) and 8 hot dogs. Go for your favorite brand – it totally makes a difference!

Chili Ingredients

Okay, for the chili, grab 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil, 1 white onion diced (save a little for topping, trust me!), 4 cloves of garlic minced, 1 lb of lean ground beef, 14 oz of crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 tbsp of chili powder, 2 tsp of smoked paprika, 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1/2 tsp of salt (plus more to taste), and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Whew! That’s a lot, but it’s worth it!

Cheese and Garnishes

Don’t forget the cheese! You’ll want 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. And for a little something extra, grab 1 tbsp of chopped parsley. It’s optional, but it makes ’em look fancy!

How to Prepare Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! These *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* are super easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!

Preparing the Chili

First things first, let’s get that chili going! Grab a medium pot or Dutch oven, and heat up that 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot (careful, it splatters!), toss in your diced onion (remember that little bit you saved for later? Set it aside!). Cook for about 20 seconds, then add your 1 lb of lean ground beef. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any extra grease – nobody wants greasy chili!

Now, add in your 14 oz of crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 tbsp of chili powder, 2 tsp of smoked paprika, 1 tsp of ground cumin, and those 4 cloves of minced garlic. Give it all a good stir to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens up a bit. Finally, add your 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper (or more to taste!). Stir it all together, then remove from the heat and set aside. Almost there!

Assembling the *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*

Okay, time to get those dogs ready! Line your hot dog buns on a large baking sheet. Open ’em up, and place a hot dog on each bun. Now, for the best part: topping them with that delicious chili! I usually go for about 1/4-1/2 cup of chili per dog, but hey, no judgment if you want extra! Then, sprinkle about 1/8 cup of shredded cheese over each one. Get ready for cheesy goodness!

Baking the *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*

Pop those *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* into a pre-heated 350℉ oven for 15-20 minutes, or until that cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to burn! The cheese should be gooey and irresistible!

Garnish and Serve Your *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*

Take those babies out of the oven (careful, they’re hot!), and now it’s time to get fancy! Sprinkle that reserved diced onion and chopped parsley over the top. It’s totally optional, but it adds a little something extra. Serve ’em up hot and enjoy! Trust me, these *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Tips for the Best Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Want to take your *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to make them absolutely perfect. Trust me, these little things make a HUGE difference!

Choosing the Right Hot Dogs

Okay, this is important! All hot dogs are NOT created equal. I personally love using all-beef franks for that classic flavor, but pork or even chicken hot dogs work great too! Just make sure you pick a good quality brand – you can totally taste the difference.

Making the Chili in Advance

Want to save some time? You can totally make the chili ahead of time! Just whip it up, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, freeze it for even longer! That way, when you’re ready to make your *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*, the chili is already done. Easy peasy!

Adding Extra Flavor to Your *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*

Feeling a little spicy? I get it! A pinch of cayenne pepper in the chili will give it a nice kick. Or, if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Okay, so maybe you don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for? No worries! These *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* are super flexible. Here are a few easy swaps you can make!

Cheese Variations

Cheddar’s my go-to, but feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little pepper jack for some zing would be amazing on these *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*!

Ground Meat Options

Not a beef person? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well in the chili. Just make sure to drain off any extra fat after cooking!

Vegetarian *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*

Yup, you can totally make these vegetarian! Just swap out the regular hot dogs for your favorite veggie dogs and use a plant-based chili. You won’t even miss the meat, I swear!

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Alright, you’ve got your *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* ready to go, but what should you serve with ’em? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal!

Classic Sides

You can’t go wrong with the classics! Coleslaw, potato salad, or some grilled corn on the cob are always winners. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for a BBQ vibe!

Fresh Options

Want something a little lighter? A simple green salad or some sliced tomatoes with a little balsamic glaze are a great way to balance out the richness of the *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*.

Drink Pairings

Wash it all down with your favorite beverage! A cold beer, a fizzy soda, or some refreshing iced tea are all great choices. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

Got questions about making the perfect *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get asked all the time.

Can I make the chili spicier for my *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*?

Absolutely! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chili. Start small and taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Can I freeze the chili for later *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*?

You bet! Chili freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

What’s the best way to reheat *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*?

Okay, so reheating can be tricky. For the best results, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook them, or the buns will get soggy! I usually microwave them in 30-second intervals, checking them each time.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs

So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs*, and somehow you have leftovers? Wow! Here’s how to keep them tasting great!

Storing Leftover Chili

Got extra chili? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, if you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. It defrosts like a dream!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, reheating the whole *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dog* can be a little tricky. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but watch out for soggy buns! I prefer to reheat the chili separately and then assemble a fresh hot dog. That way, everything stays nice and tasty!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, just a quick note: the nutritional information provided is just an estimate. It can totally vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, please don’t take it as gospel! It’s just a general guide, okay?

Rate This *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* Recipe

So, what did you think? Did these *Loaded Chili Cheese Hot Dogs* knock your socks off? Leave a comment below and let me know! And hey, don’t forget to rate the recipe – I love hearing from you!

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