Bacon Wrapped Chili Cheese Dogs

The hotdog is a favorite across many cultures all around the world, and it’s no wonder why! There are so many ways to make a hotdog. From a Mexican-style bacon-wrapped hotdog to a Carolina chili and coleslaw topped hotdog, the options are endless. In fact, if you merge the two, a tasty bacon-wrapped chili cheese dog is a savory option.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Bacon
• 1 Beef, Pork, or Chicken Hotdogs
• 1 White Onion
• 4 Hot Dog Buns
• 1 Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Mayo
• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1 to 2 16oz cans Red Kidney Beans
• 1 can Tomato paste
• 1-2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes
• 1 - 2 Packets Chili

DIRECTIONS

1. Start with your chili. You can buy pre-made chili or make your own chili. If you opt to make your own chili, first prepare the ground beef in a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the ground beef into crumbles for 7-10 minutes, or until all the meat is cooked thoroughly. Drain the excess oil and fat from the ground beef.

2. In a separate pot, combine the ground beef, stewed tomatoes, red kidney beans, tomato paste, and chili packets. It's recommended to add one chili packet at a time to taste. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes to an hour. Better flavor comes from a longer simmer time.

3. While the chili simmers, fire up your grill to medium heat or preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepped the hotdogs by wrapping a strip of bacon around each dog. Use toothpicks, one on each end to hold the bacon wraps in place. Set aside.

4. Chop or dice the onion to preference. Set aside.

5. Next, if you’re using a grill, place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the grill and grill for 15 minutes, turning intermittently to ensure an even char. If you’re not going for the grill, you can cook them in the oven in a baking dish for 20 minutes. Ensure to turn them halfway throughout.

6. In a skillet, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, add the cut onions and sauté until they are semi-clear. You can also cook them on the grill. Once done, set them aside.

7. Your chili should be simmering and near complete. Now to prepare the hotdog, pull out the hotdog buns and toast them on the grill or stovetop. Set them aside. Check on the hotdogs and pull them out.

8. Prepare your dog. Take a toasted bun and spread mayo. Spoon sauteed onion and chili over the bun. Then add a hotdog and top with the shredded Mozzarella cheese.

9. Finish off your hotdog by putting it on the grill or in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese, and voila! A mouth-watering bacon-wrapped chili cheese dog awaits!

Notes