Keto Chili Cheese Dog Bake

Yield

4–6 servings

Oven Temperature

375°F (190°C)

Ingredients

Hot Dog Layer

• 6–8 all-beef hot dogs (no sugar or fillers), sliced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 tbsp butter or avocado oil (for greasing)

Keto Chili (No Beans)

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)

• ½ small onion, finely diced (optional; adds ~1–2 net carbs total)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup sugar-free crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup beef broth or water (as needed)

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, adds stretch)

Optional Toppings (after baking)

• Diced jalapeños

• Green onions

• Sour cream (full-fat)

• Sugar-free mustard drizzle

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chili

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up finely.

3. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Add onion (if using) and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.

5. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

6. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

7. Simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.

8. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too dry.
   The chili should be thick, not soupy.

2. Assemble the Bake

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

2. Spread sliced hot dogs evenly across the bottom.

3. Spoon chili over the hot dogs and spread evenly.

4. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

3. Bake

1. Place dish uncovered in the oven.

2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.

3. For a browned top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely).

4. Rest and Serve

• Let the bake rest 5 minutes before serving so it sets.

• Add optional toppings just before serving.

Texture and Flavor Notes

• Thick chili prevents a watery casserole.

• Using two cheeses balances sharp flavor and meltability.

• Broiling at the end mimics classic chili cheese dog blistered cheese.

Macros (Approximate, per serving – 6 servings)

• Calories: ~420

• Fat: ~32 g

• Protein: ~25 g

• Net carbs: ~4–5 g
  (varies based on hot dog brand and tomato products)

Variations

Extra Indulgent

• Add a layer of keto cream cheese sauce under the chili.

Spicy

• Add diced chipotle peppers or extra cayenne.

Ultra-Low Carb

• Skip onion and tomato paste.

• Use minimal crushed tomatoes.

Meal Prep

• Stores refrigerated up to 4 days.

• Reheats well in oven or air fryer.