Keto Chili Dog Casserole

$- 1 lb hot dogs, sliced - 1 can (15 oz) chili (no beans) - 1 cup riced cauliflower - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup finely diced onion - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 green onions for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key for a rich and flavorful Keto Chili Dog Casserole. The main ingredients include hot dogs, chili, and riced cauliflower. I always use quality hot dogs for a better taste. The chili should be a no-bean variety to keep it low-carb. Riced cauliflower acts as a great substitute for traditional grains, giving the dish a nice texture. Next, we have flavor enhancers. Sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and creaminess. Finely diced onions bring a sweet crunch, while garlic powder boosts the overall flavor. For seasoning, smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Do not forget salt and black pepper to taste. Olive oil plays a vital role in sautéing the onions for that perfect base. Finally, thinly sliced green onions give a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving. This combination of ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying dish that you will want to make again. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Sauté the onions until translucent. Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This way, it is hot when you bake the casserole. In a medium skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This step adds a sweet flavor to the dish. - Brown the sliced hot dogs with sautéed onions. Add the sliced hot dogs to the skillet with the onions. Cook them for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to ensure they brown evenly. The hot dogs should have a light golden color by the end. This step enhances the flavor of the dish and gives it a nice texture. - Mix hot dog and cauliflower, adding seasoning. - Layer in a baking dish and add chili. Lower the heat and mix in the riced cauliflower. Sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the cauliflower is heated through. Now, take a baking dish and spread the hot dog mixture evenly across the bottom. Pour the canned chili over this layer. Make sure the chili covers the hot dogs and cauliflower well. - Top with cheddar cheese. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously on top of the chili. This cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get bubbly and turn a lovely golden brown. This marks the perfect moment to take it out and enjoy! To make sure the hot dogs cook evenly, cut them into similar sizes. This helps them brown at the same rate. When cooking riced cauliflower, don't skip the sauté step. Lightly cooking it before mixing adds flavor and helps it blend well. For the best melt, use sharp cheddar cheese. It has great flavor and melts nicely. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder taste. Garnish your casserole with fresh green onions for a pop of color and taste. You can also serve it with sour cream for creaminess or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Enjoy this dish with a side salad for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter option. They both work well and add unique flavors. If you want a vegetarian meal, use plant-based hot dogs. These are tasty and fit well in the casserole. Want to spice things up? Add cayenne or chili flakes to the mix. They can give your casserole a nice kick. You can also mix in veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. These add color and extra nutrients. Plus, they keep the dish fresh and vibrant. If you want to reduce carbs, swap in low-carb bean options. They can add fiber without adding too many carbs. You can also use alternative sauces or toppings. Look for low-sugar or keto-friendly sauces. These small changes keep the dish delicious while sticking to your diet. To keep your Keto Chili Dog Casserole fresh, store any leftovers in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the casserole cool completely before sealing it up. It will stay good in the fridge for three to four days. For the best results, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you prefer, use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. After reheating, serve with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. You can freeze leftovers for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just what you need. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. To re-bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use turkey or chicken hot dogs. They fit well in this dish. The flavor may change a bit. Turkey hot dogs are often leaner. Chicken hot dogs can be a bit milder. Both options keep it keto-friendly. Just make sure they fit your taste. This casserole is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it. Once cooked, let it cool before storing. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. It stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat. Meal prep makes enjoying this dish easy! To add spice, try a few methods. Mix in diced jalapeños or chili peppers. You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Another option is to use spicy chili. Adjust the amount to match your heat level. Adding these elements gives your casserole a nice kick! This blog covered a simple hot dog casserole recipe with key ingredients and steps. You learned how to cook hot dogs, mix them with riced cauliflower, and layer with chili and cheese. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and variations to try. With this recipe, you can easily impress at dinner. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find what you love best. Happy cooking!$

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Keto Chili Dog Casserole Delight! This easy recipe features sliced hot dogs, rich chili, and tender riced cauliflower, all topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines bold flavors and low-carb ingredients everyone will love. Click through to explore this deliciously satisfying recipe and make mealtime a hit!

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Ingredients

1 lb hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

1 can (15 oz) chili (no beans)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup riced cauliflower

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the casserole.

Sauté the Onions: In a medium skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Brown the Hot Dogs: Introduce the sliced hot dogs into the skillet with the onions. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a light golden-brown color.

Combine with Cauliflower Rice: Lower the heat and add the riced cauliflower to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cauliflower becomes tender and heated through.

Layer in Baking Dish: Take a baking dish and evenly spread the hot dog and cauliflower mixture across the bottom, creating an even layer.

Add the Chili: Pour the canned chili over the hot dog mixture, ensuring it covers the layers evenly for a rich flavor.

Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the chili, creating a nice layer that will melt beautifully.

Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.

Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set slightly.

Serve & Enjoy: Before serving, garnish the casserole with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look or dish individual servings on plates, making sure to showcase the melted cheese and colorful garnishes. Adding a dollop of sour cream on top can also elevate the dish!