Chili Cheese Dog Casserole for Humans and Chili Dog Casserole for Hounds

Ping in foodie mode, requesting a treat

Everyone over here at Urban Hounds headquarters is a foodie, defined by wikipedia as an afficianado of food and drink.   Foodies are supposed to differ from gourmands in that unlike gourmands, who demand only the best and fanciest foods, foodies appreciate food in all its forms.   Mom once read something by a famous food writer, she can't remember exactly who, that said something to the tune of: "A proper American palate has an appreciation for both caviar and frito pie." That seems to  sums up our attitude for food.  We like both the snobbiest dog treats, and Mom sure likes caviar, but we wont turn down a milk bone and mom and dad are both quite fond of nachos.  

This weekend our mom made a classic low-rent, foodie treat.   For the humans Chili Cheese Dog Casserole and for the hounds Chili Dog Casserole (a healthy-ish version.)


Chili Cheese Dog Casserole  for Humans

2 15 ounce boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix from Casserole Crazy
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 large white onion, chopped
1 minced garlic cloves
2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 package all beef hot dogs
4 tbsp chili seasoning, or one packet
1 8 oz can tomato paste or sauce
1 to 2 cup water (add more or less for desired thickness)
1 15 oz can red beans
1 15 oz can black beans
1 10 oz bag Cascadian Farms frozen corn
cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chopped white onion, about 1 large
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 350


Prepare both packages of muffin mix in a large bowl according to package directions using the eggs and milk.   Pour into 9x13 buttered baking dish and bake five minutes until just set.
In the olive oil saute the onion and garlic and saute until translucent.  Add the beef and chili seasoning and cook until beef is cooked through.  Add the tomatoes and water, pour the water into the can to get any leftover tomato paste.  Use 1 cup of water for a thicker chili and 2 cups for thinner.   Mix well and add the beans stirring well, and the corn.  Add the cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.


On top of the corn  bread layer the hot dogs, raw onions, chili, cheese, and another sprinkle of onions.  Bake 40 minutes until bubbly.






The Healthier Version for Hounds

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 package Apple Gate Farms Organic Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs (these dogs really are just chicken and don't contain any of the nasties in other hot dogs).
1 package Cascadian farm mixed veggies
1 8 oz can organic diced tomatoes
1 heaping tbsp Tumeric (Tumeric is one of those super foods everyone is talking about so mom gives  it to us a lot she buys ours from Mountain Rose Herbs)


Preheat the oven to 350

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat and add the beef and brown.  Add the tomatoes and veggies and stir well.   Meanwhile dice up the hot dogs.  When the beef is cooked take it off the heat and stir in the hot dogs and tumeric.  Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.  Serve as a kibble topper to any excited hounds in the vicinity.

We smells something good!