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Lighter One-Pan Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

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A lighter version of the classic chili cheese dog casserole made with lean ground turkey and turkey hot dogs, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. This comforting, kid-approved meal comes together in about 35 minutes and delivers big flavor without the heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 turkey hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish, optional)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the middle. Place a large oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the ground turkey and diced onion to the hot skillet. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. While the chili simmers, slice the turkey hot dogs into ½-inch rounds. Stir the hot dog pieces into the chili, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Do not stir.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges. For a golden-brown top, switch to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt and pickled jalapeños if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the turkey properly for best flavor. Toast the spices for 60 seconds to enhance their aroma. Watch the salt—turkey hot dogs and canned tomatoes contain sodium. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the chili to set. For best melting, grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dog casserole, lighter casserole, one-pan meal, ground turkey recipe, turkey hot dogs, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, healthy casserole

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/lighter-one-pan-chili-cheese-dog-casserole-best-easy-recipe/