Classic Hot Dog Chili

5

A rich, savory Hot Dog Chili made with finely crumbled ground beef, tomatoes, and warm spices. This smooth, flavorful chili sauce is perfect for topping hot dogs, fries, burgers, nachos, or baked potatoes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: About 8–10 hot dogs

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet style)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef.
   • Add ground beef and onion to a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Cook until browned, breaking the beef into very small crumbles.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add seasonings.
   • Stir in garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the chili.
   • Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, beef broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
   • Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook low and slow.
   • Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and smooth.
5. Adjust texture.
   • For a finer hot dog chili texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender briefly to break down the meat.
6. Serve.
   • Spoon over hot dogs and add your favorite toppings.

Classic Chili Dog Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced onions
• Yellow mustard
• Pickled jalapeños
• Coleslaw
• Relish

Slow Cooker Version

1. Brown the beef and onion first.
2. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low for 4–6 hours.
4. Stir and mash slightly before serving.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Tips for the Best Hot Dog Chili

• Use very finely crumbled beef for that classic chili sauce texture.
• Let it simmer longer for deeper flavor.
• A small amount of ketchup and brown sugar gives it the familiar sweet-and-savory hot dog stand flavor.
• It tastes even better the next day after the spices have blended.

Perfect for chili dogs, game-day snacks, backyard cookouts, and easy family dinners. 🌭