The BEST Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hot dog chili is a rich, flavorful sauce that elevates your favorite frankfurters to a whole new level. Made with simple ingredients and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for classic chili dogs or as a tasty topping for baked potatoes and nachos.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 6-oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 lb lean ground chuck (90/10 or leaner)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until golden and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly on the bottom of the pan.
4. Step 4: Pour in the water and stir well to deglaze the pan. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the ground beef to the saucepan. Break it up and stir into the sauce until the meat is evenly combined with the liquid. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the chili reaches your desired thickness.
8. Step 8: Cover the chili again and keep warm until ready to serve over hot dogs or your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• If you prefer thicker chili, simmer longer uncovered, stirring frequently.
• Add a small amount of brown sugar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used as a substitute. Cooking times remain similar, but adjust seasoning to taste.

Is this chili spicy?

This chili has a mild to moderate heat from the cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or chili powder according to your preference.

The BEST Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This delicious hot dog chili recipe combines lean ground beef with a rich tomato base, enhanced by a blend of classic chili spices. Perfectly simmered to develop deep flavors, this chili is ideal for topping hot dogs or serving alongside your favorite dishes.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce/Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 6-oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 lb lean ground chuck (90/10 or leaner)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced small onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions turn golden and soft.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
3. Cook Tomato Paste: Add the 6-ounce can of tomato paste to the saucepan. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste begins to brown slightly on the bottom of the pan, enhancing its flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in 2 cups of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and combined.
5. Add Ground Beef: Incorporate 1 pound of lean ground chuck into the saucepan. Use a whisk or fork to break the meat up and blend it evenly into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
6. Simmer Covered: Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
7. Simmer Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue simmering the chili for another 30 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Keep Warm: Once thickened, cover the chili again to keep it warm until ready to serve, perfect for topping hot dogs or serving as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

• For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the chili healthier.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered longer until desired thickness is achieved.
• This chili can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
• Serve with your favorite hot dog buns, shredded cheese, and onions for a classic hot dog topping.

Keywords: hot dog chili, chili sauce, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, lean ground chuck chili