There are few things more indulgent than biting into chili dogs. With a soft bun, all-beef hot dog, warm ground beef chili, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy recipe is the best way to eat a hot dog. The humble Chili dog has become synonymous with amusement parks and college dining halls. But really, they’re an great meal for feeding a hungry crowd or a big family — and they’re more delicious than you might remember. Here, I am sharing a simple recipe for a shortcut chili made with just a pound a ground beef and a few pantry staples that will absolutely cover those hot dogs in love.
Depending on where you’re from, you might be partial to a very specific chili for a chili dog — I am thinking specifically of Texas chili and Skyline chili out of Cincinnati. Personally, my main objective for homemade chili is to keep it simple: one pan and just a few ingredients. I’m also a firm believer that the chili should be beef only — no beans. You can grill, sauté, or boil your hot dogs for chili dogs, but do not skip toasting the bun — it keeps the chili from softening the bun too quickly.
Not quite what you are looking for? Check out these other great Game Day recipes:
- BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs
- Dirty Rice Taquitos
- Hatch Chile Queso
- Roasted Jalapeno Poppers
Chili Dogs
- Prep Time: :05
- Cook Time: :20
- Total Time: :25
- Yield: 8
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stove Top
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder, or more if you like it spicy
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes are great in this recipe!
- 1 teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- 8 hot dogs of choice
- 8 brioche hot dog buns, gluten-free buns, if needed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions, to serve
Instructions
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Add the ground beef to a small pot over medium heat. Let it cook until you see some fat in the pan then add the onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
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Add the honey and chili powder to the pot and stir well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the honey then add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let the chili simmer on low heat while you prepare the dogs and buns.
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Cook the hot dogs and warm the buns over a fire, on a grill, or in a pan on your stove. When they’re ready, put a hot dog in each bun and top with ¼ cup of the chili, 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar, and some green onions.
Notes
You can add any other condiments you like to your bun. Mustard is the popular choice and many people like mayo, too. There are no right or wrong answers here!