Looking for a creative way to use up leftover hot dog buns? Look no further than Hot Dog Bun Casserole! This comforting and hearty dish transforms ordinary hot dog buns into a delicious casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With layers of savory hot dog buns, seasoned ground meat, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Hot Dog Bun Casserole from scratch using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s get started and turn those leftover hot dog buns into something truly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 8 hot dog buns, split in half lengthwise
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Arrange the split hot dog buns in the prepared baking dish, cut side up, creating a single layer.
- Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the hot dog buns in the baking dish, spreading it out to cover the buns.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and switch the oven to broil. Broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the Hot Dog Bun Casserole hot, garnished with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
Tips for Success:
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite ingredients and toppings. You can add chopped bell peppers, black beans, corn, or diced green chilies to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Leftover Hot Dog Bun Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute cooked lentils, black beans, or vegetarian crumbles for the ground meat to make a meatless version of the casserole.
- Breakfast Casserole: Use split hot dog buns to make a breakfast casserole by layering them with cooked breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese.
Hot Dog Bun Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for using up leftover hot dog buns. With its layers of seasoned ground meat, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether enjoyed for dinner with the family or served at a potluck gathering, Hot Dog Bun Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a tasty and comforting meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
