Easy Keto Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – Low-Carb Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food that’s both keto-friendly and incredibly easy to make, this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is about to become your new favorite recipe! This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that blends savory hot dogs, ground beef, and creamy cheese – perfect for keto diets. I’m always on the lookout for ways to make keto meal prep easier, and this recipe is one of my favorites. As I’ve transitioned into a keto lifestyle, I’ve found that meal planning has been a game-changer.

If you’d like to learn more about my personal journey with keto cooking and how I created these low-carb meals, check out my About Me page. You’ll find more about my journey and how my passion for cooking has shaped my recipes.

Why I Love This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

When I first came across this recipe, I was immediately drawn to how versatile and family-friendly it is. It’s a one-pot meal that’s low-carb, satisfying, and packed with flavor. I made a few tweaks based on what I had on hand, like using the delicious uncured hot dogs from Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen. The result? A cheesy, meaty casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Key Ingredients and Why They Work in this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

This recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients make the dish shine:

• Ground Beef: The base of the chili, providing richness and protein. Use grass-fed beef if you want to elevate the flavor and nutrition.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and a savory foundation to the chili.
• Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These bring a tangy sweetness and a rich texture to the dish, balancing the savory flavors.
• Homemade Beef Broth: Using homemade broth enhances the flavor and keeps it low-carb compared to store-bought options that often contain hidden sugars.
• Chili Powder and Seasonings: A simple blend of chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper gives the dish its classic chili flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste.
• Hot Dogs: The star of the dish! I used uncured hot dogs from Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen, which are free from unnecessary additives and perfect for keto diets.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The cheesy topping pulls everything together with gooey, melty goodness.

How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

This recipe is wonderfully flexible—you can make it in an Instant Pot for speed and convenience, or on the stovetop for a more traditional approach. Here’s how:

Instant Pot Method:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter and add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cancel sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes. Quick-release the pressure once done.
4. Add the sliced hot dogs to the mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt using the “keep warm” setting, or broil it in an oven-safe dish for a golden, bubbly finish.

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Brown the ground beef, then stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings.
3. Simmer the chili for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
4. Add the sliced hot dogs and mix well. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top, cover with a lid, and let it melt before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

This casserole is best served hot and fresh, with a side of keto-friendly bread or steamed vegetables. It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Why You’ll Love this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the ultimate keto comfort food. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize—try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or using different types of cheese to switch things up.

So grab your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot or stovetop, and dive into a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this recipe is going to be a hit in your kitchen!

Final Note

I hope you enjoy making this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole as much as I do. It’s a great option for meal prep or just a cozy dinner with family. If you love easy, keto-friendly recipes, be sure to check out my other creations.

And if you’re curious about the thought process behind my recipes and how I transitioned to keto, head over to my About Me page to learn more.

Easy Keto Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – Low-Carb Comfort Food

Cheryll Thomson

Enjoy a comforting, low-carb meal with this Keto Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. Made with savory hot dogs, ground beef, and melted cheddar, it's a simple, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 422 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup onions diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup tomatoes diced (fresh preferred)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth homemade, or store-bought
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 6 hot dogs uncured
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (about 4 oz)

Instructions

 

• Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter and add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
  
• Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. This will take about 7-8 minutes.
  
• Once fully cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, sliced hot dogs, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  
• Cancel sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes. Quick-release the pressure once done.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt using the “keep warm” setting, or broil it in an oven-safe dish for a golden, bubbly finish.
• Scoop the casserole into bowls to serve, and enjoy!
  

Notes

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Brown the ground beef, then stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings.
3. Simmer the chili for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
4. Add the sliced hot dogs and mix well. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top, cover with a lid, and let it melt before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

This casserole is best served hot and fresh, with a side of keto-friendly bread or steamed vegetables. It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Substitutions:

1. Hot Dogs:
   • Substitute uncured hot dogs with smoked sausages or bratwurst for a richer flavor.
   • Use turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option.
2. Cheese:
   • Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
   • For a dairy-free option, use a keto-friendly cheese alternative.
3. Ground Beef:
   • Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for variety.
4. Tomatoes:
   • Use diced fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.
   • Substitute tomato sauce with marinara sauce for added depth.
5. Seasonings:
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier casserole.
   • Include 1 tsp of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor boost.

Adjustments:

1. Broth:
   • If you don’t have homemade beef broth, use store-bought bone broth or chicken broth as a substitute.
2. Texture:
   • If you prefer a thicker casserole, simmer the sauce longer before assembling the dish.

Additional Tips:

1. Vegetable Add-Ins:
   • Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
   • Cauliflower rice can be stirred in for added bulk while keeping it keto-friendly.
2. Toppings:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or sour cream for extra flavor.
   • Sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for an indulgent touch.
3. Cooking Methods:
   • If using the stovetop method, transfer the casserole mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until bubbly.
   • The recipe can also be made entirely in an oven-safe skillet for easy cleanup.
4. Storage:
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
   • This casserole freezes well—portion it into individual servings and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutritional information provided is based on specific ingredients and brands used and may vary for others. Please verify independently if precise data is needed.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Keto Chili Cheese Dog Casserole – Low-Carb Comfort Food

Amount per Serving

Calories

422

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

30

g

46

%

Saturated Fat

 

13

g

81

%

Trans Fat

 

1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

12

g

Cholesterol

 

98

mg

33

%

Sodium

 

1234

mg

54

%

Potassium

 

518

mg

15

%

Carbohydrates

 

14

g

5

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

3

g

3

%

Protein

 

24

g

48

%

Vitamin A

 

730

IU

15

%

Vitamin C

 

8

mg

10

%

Calcium

 

175

mg

18

%

Iron

 

3

mg

17

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Easy Keto Dinner, Instant Pot Chili Cheese Casserole, Keto Comfort Food, Keto Dinner Recipe

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