This Keto Chili Cheese Dog Bake is a low-carb, high-protein comfort dish featuring juicy hot dogs baked in a rich keto-friendly chili sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for keto dinners, game nights, or meal prep.
Servings
6 servings
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Hot Dogs
- 6 keto-friendly hot dogs (beef, chicken, or pork; no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing dish)
Keto Chili Sauce
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free if possible)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
Cheese Layer
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for stretchiness)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Diced pickles
- Jalapeños
- Sugar-free ketchup or mustard
- Sour cream
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Large skillet
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Break it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Keto Chili
- Add onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in:
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne (optional)
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar at the end for brightness.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
- Place hot dogs in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour chili mixture evenly over the hot dogs.
- Make sure they are well covered.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Cheese should be fully melted and bubbly.
- Edges should be slightly golden.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
- Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes.
- Top with green onions, jalapeños, or pickles if desired.
- Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Cauliflower rice 🍚
- Keto coleslaw 🥬
- Zucchini fries 🍟
- Side salad 🥗
Storage
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (store without fresh toppings)
- Reheat: oven at 180°C (350°F) for best texture
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 25–32 g
- Fat: 30–38 g
- Carbs: 4–8 g net carbs
- Fiber: 1–2 g
Keto Tips
- Always check hot dogs for hidden sugars or starch fillers.
- Use extra cheese for higher fat macros.
- For thicker chili, simmer longer or add a pinch of xanthan gum.
- Add chopped bacon for extra smoky flavor.
