Transform your regular hot dogs into a mouthwatering delight with this hearty hot dog chili recipe. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this chili adds a rich and savory flavor that will elevate your hot dogs to the next level.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Make sure you have chili powder and ground cumin on hand, as these spices are essential for achieving the perfect flavor. Additionally, check your pantry for tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to ensure you have everything you need.

Ingredients For Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ground beef: Provides the hearty base for the chili, adding rich flavor and texture.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the chili, balancing the flavors.
Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic and pungent qualities.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich and smooth base for the chili, binding all the ingredients together.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor to the chili.
Chili powder: Brings the essential heat and spice to the chili, defining its characteristic flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the chili powder.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the chili, making each ingredient stand out.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth, balancing the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your ground beef, consider browning it in batches. Overcrowding the pot can cause the meat to steam rather than sear, which can result in a less flavorful chili. Once the beef is browned, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy texture. When adding the onion and garlic, cook them just until the onion becomes translucent to ensure they release their full aroma and flavor. For a deeper, richer taste, let the chili simmer for a bit longer than the recommended 20-25 minutes, allowing the spices to meld together beautifully.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.
chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the chili.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a slightly different flavor intensity.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor along with their onion notes.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and tomato flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste and water: Mixing tomato paste with water can mimic the consistency and flavor of tomato sauce.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be chopped and used in place of canned diced tomatoes for a fresher taste.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato puree: Tomato puree can provide a smoother texture while still delivering a rich tomato flavor.
chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper and paprika: A mix of cayenne pepper and paprika can replicate the heat and smokiness of chili powder.
chili powder - Substitute with cumin and smoked paprika: This combination can provide a similar depth of flavor and heat.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices.
ground cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds can offer a similar earthy flavor to cumin.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt with a slightly different mineral content.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat without the black specks.
black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a different kind of heat and a bit of texture.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the chili to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
- Transfer the cooled chili into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as it freezes.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the chili has been stored.
- Store the chili in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the containers or bags in the freezer.
- When ready to use, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures a gradual thaw and maintains the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish and stirring every minute to ensure even heating.
- If the chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of tomato sauce or beef broth to reach the desired consistency.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh toppings like chopped onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream just before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the leftover hot dog chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency. Heat until the chili is steaming and thoroughly warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chili is hot all the way through.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chili in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.
Slow Cooker Method: Pour the chili into your slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect if you want to keep the chili warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Double Boiler Method: Fill a large pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl containing the chili over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chili is heated through. This gentle method prevents the chili from scorching.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the ground beef and simmering the chili mixture.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Knife: A knife is needed to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Can opener: A can opener is required to open the cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure out the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Colander: A colander is useful for draining any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.
Serving spoon: A serving spoon is handy for ladling the chili over the hot dogs.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can skip the first step when you're ready to make the chili.
Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by buying pre-chopped onions from the store. They are just as good and save you the hassle of chopping.
Minced garlic in a jar: Opt for minced garlic in a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves. It’s a quick and easy alternative.
Simmer in a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method requires minimal supervision.

Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- 3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Serve the chili over hot dogs and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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