Chili Dog
A classic American comfort food! Juicy grilled hot dogs nestled in soft buns, smothered in a savory, meaty homemade chili, and topped with sharp cheddar and crisp onions. Perfect for game day or a fun weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chili Topping
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add half of the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully browned.
- f.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- g.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- h.Pour in the tomato sauce and ketchup. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- i.Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened to a rich, spoonable consistency.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Hot Dogs and Prepare Buns
- b.While the chili is simmering, cook the hot dogs using your preferred method.
- c.For grilling: Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through with light char marks.
- d.For pan-frying: Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning often, until browned and plump.
- e.For a simple preparation, you can also boil them in water for 4-5 minutes.
- f.Lightly toast the inside of the hot dog buns on the grill or in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until golden. This prevents them from getting soggy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Chili Dogs
- b.Place one cooked hot dog into each toasted bun.
- c.Spoon a generous amount of the warm chili over each hot dog, covering it from end to end.
- d.Sprinkle liberally with shredded cheddar cheese.
- e.Top with the remaining raw chopped onion for a fresh, crisp bite.
- f.Drizzle with yellow mustard, if using, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use good quality all-beef hot dogs.
- 2Toasting the buns is a crucial step to prevent them from getting soggy from the chili.
- 3The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick meal.
- 4Ensure the chili is thick. If it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- 5For a classic Coney Island style chili, you can add a splash of beef broth and use an immersion blender to create a finer texture before simmering.
- 6Let the chili rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground 'meat' or lentils, and use vegetarian hot dogs.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onion, or increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Different ToppingsDifferent Toppings
Get creative with toppings like sour cream, sweet pickle relish, pickled jalapeños, or crushed corn chips for extra crunch.
Smoky ChiliSmoky Chili
Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use chipotle powder instead of cayenne for a smoky flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef and hot dog provide a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Iron
Beef is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Provides Lycopene
The tomato sauce in the chili is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A typical homemade chili dog contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the type of hot dog, the leanness of the beef, and the amount of cheese used.