Baked Burger Dogs

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.13 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.33 cups red onion
• 0.33 cups diced dill or sweet pickles , well drained
• 6 ounces Cheddar cheese , shredded, divided
• 8 hots dog buns

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a large 15x10-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil.

2. 2

   Add beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red onion, pickles, and 4 ounces shredded cheese to a bowl, and use a fork to mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. 3

   Divide beef mixture into 8 equal portions. Using damp fingers, shape 1 portion into a log and gently press onto the bottom of a hot dog bun. Lightly press bun together, trapping the meat, and place stuffed bun in the baking dish with meat facing straight up. Repeat until all 8 buns are stuffed.

4. 4

   Brush all exposed areas of buns with remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil, and sprinkle over remaining 2 ounces of cheese.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven until meat is no longer pink at the center, and buns are golden brown and crispy on the edges, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

6. 6

   Serve immediately with classic burger and hot dog toppings and condiments.