Keto Chili Cheese Dog Bake

• Prep Intensity: 2/5 (simple chopping & stirring)

• Cooking Intensity: 3/5 (requires stovetop + oven)

• Flavor Intensity: 4/5 (rich, smoky, cheesy)

• Spice Level: 2/5 (mild; easily adjustable)

• Cleanup Effort: 2/5 (one skillet + one baking dish)

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Time Breakdown

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Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serves 6

*Nutrition calculated using large eggs, 80/20 ground beef, all-beef hot dogs, sharp cheddar, and no-sugar-added tomato sauce.*

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Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or coconut oil)

• ½ small yellow onion, finely diced (about ¼ cup)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• ½ cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Hot Dogs & Assembly

• 6 all-beef hot dogs (check labels: 1g carb or less each)

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (4 oz)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz) – adds stretch

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onion

• Sugar-free hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)

• Sour cream (adds 1g carb per tbsp)

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (12-inch)

• 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Spatula

• Knife & cutting board

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Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish with oil or butter.

Step 2 – Brown the Ground Beef

Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink. Intensity: moderate sizzle, occasional splatter.

Step 3 – Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the beef. Cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 4 – Build the Chili

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low-medium. Let it thicken for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Intensity: gentle bubbling. Should be thick, not watery.

Step 5 – Slice the Hot Dogs

While chili simmers, slice each hot dog into ½-inch thick rounds. You can also leave them whole, but rounds distribute more evenly.

Step 6 – Assemble the Bake

Spread the chili evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter the hot dog rounds over the chili, pressing them in lightly.

Step 7 – Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar and all the mozzarella. Pour this mixture evenly over the hot dogs and chili. Use a spatula to gently tilt the dish so the custard seeps down.

Step 8 – Top & Bake

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean).

Step 9 – Rest & Serve

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows it to set up for clean slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onion, and serve with hot sauce or sour cream if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t skip resting. The casserole will be loose right out of the oven; resting firms the egg mixture.

• Make it spicier: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the chili or use spicy jalapeño cheddar.

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 90 seconds.

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble without baking, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

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Variations

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Why This Works for Keto

Traditional chili dogs rely on a sugary bun and sweetened chili. This version:

• Uses no beans (saves 15+ carbs per serving)

• Relies on eggs + cream for structure instead of cornmeal or flour

• Features full-fat cheese and beef to keep you satiated

• Delivers 6g net carbs – easily fits a standard keto macros (under 20g net carbs/day)

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Hungry for more low-carb comfort food? Try our Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup or Cheesy Sausage & Egg Muffins next!