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A close-up of a bubbly chili cheese dog casserole in a baking dish, topped with melted cheddar and fresh cilantro.

Keto Chili Dog Casserole

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic chili dog in a low-carb casserole form. This hearty dish features a savory chili base, juicy hot dogs, and a cheesy, creamy topping, perfect for a satisfying keto meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Base
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Hot Dog Layer
  • 6-8 all-beef hot dogs sugar-free, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
For the Creamy Topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Chili Base
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Add apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Pour the prepared chili base into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  2. Arrange the sliced hot dog coins evenly over the chili base.
Prepare the Creamy Topping
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
  2. Fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Carefully spoon dollops of the creamy cheese topping over the hot dogs and chili base, then gently spread it to cover the entire casserole.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake and Serve
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  2. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired.

Notes

This casserole reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chili base.