Description

Want a hot dog that’s loaded with bold flavors and perfect for a crowd? Bandito Chili Dogs are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish tops juicy hot dogs with a zesty chili-cheese sauce, crunchy corn chips, and fresh onions, all nestled in soft buns

Ingredients

Scale

This recipe makes 10 chili dogs (serves 8-10) and uses simple ingredients for a flavorful, fun dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:

For the Chili Dogs:
- 1 package (1 pound) hot dogs (about 10 hot dogs)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chili without beans
- 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
For Assembly and Toppings:
- 10 hot dog buns, split
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 to 2 cups corn chips, coarsely crushed (e.g., Fritos)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Why These Ingredients Matter

Hot Dogs: Juicy, classic base for the dish, easy to cook and universally loved.
Chili without Beans: Provides a meaty, savory sauce that pairs well with the hot dogs.
Cheddar Cheese Soup: Adds creamy, cheesy richness to the sauce.
Green Chiles: Bring a mild, tangy heat with Tex-Mex flair.
Hot Dog Buns: Soft and sturdy, they hold the hot dogs and toppings.
Onion: Adds fresh, sharp crunch to balance the richness.
Corn Chips: Provide a salty, crispy texture for contrast.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts slightly over the warm chili, adding extra cheesy goodness.

Substitutions and Variations

Hot Dogs: Swap with turkey dogs, beef franks, or vegan hot dogs (adjust cooking time if needed).
Chili: Use chili with beans for more texture, or homemade chili for a personal touch.
Cheddar Cheese Soup: Substitute with 1 cup shredded cheddar plus 1/4 cup cream cheese, thinned with 1/4 cup milk.
Green Chiles: Replace with 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (spicier) or mild bell peppers (less heat).
Buns: Use pretzel buns, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free buns.
Onion: Swap with green onions or pickled red onions for a different flavor.
Corn Chips: Substitute with crushed tortilla chips or omit for a lighter topping.
Cheddar Cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese for dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns, chili, and soup (or homemade cheese sauce); check corn chips for additives.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the chili mixture.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Open 1 package (1 pound) hot dogs (about 10 hot dogs).
Open 2 cans (15 ounces each) chili without beans, 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, and 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles.
Chop 1 medium onion.
Measure 1 to 2 cups corn chips and coarsely crush them (place in a zip-top bag and crush with your hands or a rolling pin).
Shred 1 cup cheddar cheese (if not pre-shredded).
Split 10 hot dog buns (or have them ready for serving).

Tip: Prep toppings while the slow cooker heats to save time.

Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker

Add Hot Dogs: Place hot dogs in a 3-quart slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine chili, cheddar cheese soup, and green chiles. Stir until well blended.
Pour Over Hot Dogs: Pour the chili mixture over the hot dogs, ensuring they are fully covered.

Tip: Stir the sauce gently to avoid breaking the hot dogs; the mixture will look thick but will soften during cooking.

Step 3: Cook

Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until the hot dogs are heated through and the chili mixture is hot and bubbly.

Tip: Check at 4 hours; some slow cookers may cook faster. Stir gently halfway through to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Prepare Buns: If desired, toast hot dog buns lightly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
Add Hot Dogs: Place one hot dog in each split bun.
Top with Chili: Using a slotted spoon, spoon the chili mixture over each hot dog, leaving excess liquid behind.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped onion, crushed corn chips, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve: Serve hot, with extra napkins for the loaded toppings.

Tip: Offer extra chili sauce and toppings on the side for customization.