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–+ servings

Chili Cheese Dogs

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These customizable chili cheese dogs are perfect for game day and casual gatherings, featuring rich chili and gooey melted cheese on your choice of hot dogs and buns.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1 lb ground beef For homemade chili
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil for sautéing
For the Hot Dogs
  • 8 hot dogs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based)
  • 8 hot dog buns (brioche or potato recommended)
For Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese Plus extra for melting
  • Optional toppings: diced onions, pickled jalapeños, mustard, ketchup, chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

Method
 

Make the Chili (if using homemade)
  1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat and brown until no longer pink.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat Hot Dogs
  1. Grill, pan-sear, or simmer hot dogs until heated through and lightly browned.
  2. If using sausage-style dogs, ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef/pork or 165°F for poultry.
Toast Buns
  1. Lightly butter the cut sides and toast in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Melt Cheese
  1. Place the hot dog in the bun, spoon 1/4–1/3 cup of chili over the dog, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  2. Place under a broiler for 30–60 seconds to melt, or cover the skillet with a lid for a minute.
Add Toppings and Serve
  1. Top with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or a plant-based crumble and substitute cheese with vegan shreds. Chilli improves in flavor the next day, making leftovers ideal for meal prep.
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