Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Introduction
When you think of comfort food, hot dogs probably come to mind. They are quick, satisfying, and always hit the spot. But if you want to take your hot dogs from just okay to truly unforgettable, there is one thing you need to add. That one thing is chili. A rich, flavorful hot dog chili can completely transform the experience of eating a hot dog. The meat becomes juicier. The flavor becomes deeper. And every bite becomes more exciting.
There is no need to make things complicated when it comes to chili. In fact, some of the best hot dog chili recipes use basic pantry ingredients. The key is knowing how to bring those ingredients together in just the right way. That is what this recipe will show you. Whether you are feeding a crowd, preparing for a game day, or simply looking for an easy way to upgrade dinner, this hot dog chili has you covered.
You do not need a lot of cooking experience to get this right. You do not need any special tools. And you definitely do not need fancy ingredients. Just follow the steps, take your time, and enjoy the process. This hot dog chili is thick, beefy, slightly sweet, and full of comforting spices. You will end up with a topping that clings perfectly to hot dogs without overwhelming them. And the best part is, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
So let us get started and turn your everyday hot dogs into something truly special.
Ingredients Needed
You probably already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen. This recipe was made to be simple and budget friendly while still packing in the flavor. Every ingredient here plays a role. Some add depth. Some bring sweetness. Others add a little kick. Together, they create a balanced chili that works beautifully on top of hot dogs.
Here is what you will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80 percent lean) | 1 pound | 800 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 8 |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) | 90 |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons | 40 |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tablespoon | 10 |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon | 50 |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon | 20 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Ground cumin | Half a teaspoon | 4 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Water | Half a cup | 0 |
Total estimated calories for entire recipe: 1073
Estimated per serving (8 servings): 134 calories
This recipe makes enough chili for around 8 hot dogs. You can easily double the ingredients if you are feeding a larger group.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it is time to bring them together. Making this chili is as easy as cooking the beef, mixing in the flavor, and giving everything time to simmer. Follow the steps below and you will end up with the perfect chili for your hot dogs.
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure the beef is not pink anymore. If there is excess grease, drain it carefully.
Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Stir it in with the beef and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to soften and become slightly translucent. Now add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
It is time to add the flavor. Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated. Then add the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
Finally, add the water. This will help loosen the mixture and allow it to simmer without drying out. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The chili should thicken slightly and become rich in color.
Once the chili reaches your desired thickness, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a bolder taste, add a little more chili powder or mustard. If it is too thick, add a small splash of water to thin it out.
Your hot dog chili is now ready to serve.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This chili is great as is, but it is also very flexible. You can easily make changes based on what you have or what you prefer. Here are some tips for making the recipe your own.
If you like spice, try adding hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne powder. Start with a small amount and build up. For a sweeter chili, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a splash of barbecue sauce.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you are looking for a leaner version.
If you want a chunkier texture, stir in a can of drained pinto or kidney beans. It is not traditional for hot dog chili, but it does add heartiness.
You can also experiment with the seasonings. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information
For those watching their nutrition, here is a basic breakdown for one serving of this chili. Each batch makes about 8 servings.
Calories: 134
Protein: 10 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Saturated fat: 3.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 6 grams
Sugars: 3 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sodium: 300 milligrams (may vary based on added salt)
Keep in mind that toppings and hot dogs will add to these values. Choose lean franks and whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
There is more than one way to enjoy this delicious hot dog chili. Of course, the classic method is to spoon it over freshly grilled or steamed hot dogs. Top it off with shredded cheese, diced onions, and maybe a squirt of mustard or jalapeños if you are feeling bold.
But do not stop there. You can use this chili as a topping for fries to make chili cheese fries. Spoon it over baked potatoes with cheese and sour cream for a filling lunch. Or even use it in chili mac by mixing it into elbow macaroni with a little extra cheese.
This chili also freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze the extra in small containers. Then, just reheat it when you need a quick meal or snack.
Conclusion
This easy hot dog chili recipe is proof that comfort food does not have to be complicated. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a rich and savory topping that adds flavor, texture, and excitement to your favorite hot dogs. Whether you are making dinner for the family or prepping for a party, this chili will deliver every single time. Try it once and you will never want to eat a plain hot dog again.