Chili dogs

235

18

1.30k

Chili dogs are a classic comfort food that combines the savory goodness of hot dogs with a rich, spicy chili sauce. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings, parties, or a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. With their irresistible flavors and customizable toppings, they’re also a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike. In my experience, these chili dogs are not only quick to whip up but also allow for plenty of creativity in how you serve them. If you’re looking for a new twist on this beloved dish, you might want to try making air fryer chili dogs.

Why make this recipe

One of the main reasons I love making chili dogs is how versatile they are. You can easily adapt the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs. The chili is not just an afterthought; it serves as a delicious topping that elevates the simple hot dog into a mouthwatering meal. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly and quick, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. You may also find These Chili Cheese Dogs Are Always A Hit With My Family And Friends They Are So Easy To Make And Can Be Customized To Suit Everyones Taste 2 useful.

"These chili dogs disappeared within minutes at our family BBQ! They were a hit with everyone!" You may also find These Chili Cheese Dogs Are Always A Hit With My Family And Friends They Are So Easy To Make And Can Be Customized To Suit Everyones Taste useful.

How to make Chili dogs

Making chili dogs involves a few simple steps, starting with preparing the savory chili sauce. You’ll need to gather a variety of ingredients, from spices to fresh vegetables, that will come together to create a robust flavor. The cooking process is straightforward and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the chili dogs:

• 3 tsp smoked paprika (sub plain paprika)
• 3 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red capsicum / bell pepper, finely chopped
• 500 g / 1 lb ground beef / beef mince
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 400g / 14 oz canned crushed tomato
• 2 beef cubes (I like Oxo, easy to crumble)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke) or hot dogs of choice
• 6 hot dog buns
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• Yellow mustard (I use Heinz American mustard)
• 2 cups Colby or Monterey Jack, shredded (or other cheese of choice)
• Plain crinkle cut potato chips, optional side for serving

Feel free to make substitutions based on your preferences, like using turkey or vegan sausages to make this dish suitable for a variety of diets.

Directions

Pin It!

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they become tender.
2. Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and canned crushed tomatoes, followed by the water, spices, and beef cubes. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. In the meantime, grill or pan-fry the sausages until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
6. Assemble your chili dogs by placing a sausage in a bun, topping it generously with the chili, and finishing with chopped onions and mustard. For an extra indulgent experience, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
7. Serve with plain crinkle cut potato chips for that traditional touch!

How to serve Chili dogs

The best way to enjoy chili dogs is to serve them hot with a generous pile of chili on top. You can get creative with toppings, adding shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Pair them with a side of chips or a fresh salad to balance out the hearty dish. For an easy, crowd-pleasing option, try making a platter of chili dogs for your next game day gathering or family BBQ.

How to store

If you have leftovers, store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the texture nice. For longer storage, consider freezing the chili in portion-sized containers. Make sure everything is cooled down before freezing to maintain food safety.

Tips to make

1. Adjust the spice level: If you want a milder chili, start with less cayenne and add more to your taste.
2. Use leftovers creatively: The chili can also be used as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or even on its own as a hearty meal.
3. Prepare ahead: Make the chili a day in advance; this allows the flavors to deepen and improve.

Variations

There are endless ways to make chili dogs your own! Think about trying different types of sausage, or even going meatless with lentils or beans. You can switch up the spices for a different flavor profile, like adding some barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. Also, consider topping with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

FAQs

How long does it take to make chili dogs from start to finish?

You’ll need about 45 minutes to prepare and cook the chili and sausages, making it a quick meal option.

Can I use turkey or chicken sausages instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute any sausage you prefer, including chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

How do I store leftovers appropriately?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it down first.

Conclusion

Chili dogs are not only a delectable treat but also an incredibly versatile and adaptable dish. Whether you’re crafting them for a game day feast or a cozy family dinner, they’re sure to please. For more recipes focused on chili dogs, you can check out this fantastic Chili dogs recipe, or the best chili dogs recipe from The Pioneer Woman. And if you’re in the mood for a simple yet delicious version, look no further than this chili dog recipe from Simply Recipes. Enjoy your culinary adventure with chili dogs!

Chili Dogs

Please rate us

Chili dogs are a comforting and customizable dish that combine hot dogs with a rich, spicy chili sauce, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Print it Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Chili

• 3 tsp smoked paprika (sub plain paprika)
• 3 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp onion powder
• 1.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 0.5 unit onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 unit red capsicum / bell pepper, finely chopped
• 500 g ground beef / beef mince
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g canned crushed tomato
• 2 beef cubes (I like Oxo, easy to crumble)
• 1.5 cups water
• 0.75 tsp cooking/kosher salt, plus more to taste

For Serving

• 6 unit good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke) or hot dogs of choice
• 6 unit hot dog buns
• 0.5 unit white onion, finely chopped
• unit Yellow mustard (I use Heinz American mustard)
• 2 cups Colby or Monterey Jack, shredded (or other cheese of choice)
• unit unit Plain crinkle cut potato chips, optional side for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they become tender.
2. Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and canned crushed tomatoes, followed by the water, spices, and beef cubes. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Cooking Sausages

1. In the meantime, grill or pan-fry the sausages until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

Assembly

1. Assemble your chili dogs by placing a sausage in a bun, topping it generously with the chili, and finishing with chopped onions and mustard.
2. For an extra indulgent experience, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Serving

1. Serve with plain crinkle cut potato chips for that traditional touch!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Adjust spice levels to personal preference. The chili can be used creatively as a topping on nachos, baked potatoes, or on its own.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!