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Square side shot of hot dogs with chili sauce in a basket.
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4.69 from 16 votes

Hot Dog Chili

This sweet, tangy hot dog chili sauce simmers on the stovetop in under an hour. Spoon it over hot dogs with cheese, onion, and relish for the perfect chili dog.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword chili dogs, chili for hot dogs, chili hot dog recipe, hot dog chili, hot dog chili recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 16 people
Calories 72.3kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • For serving: cooked hot dogs, hot dog buns, grated cheddar cheese, diced onion, pickle relish, mustard

Instructions

  • Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 7 to 10 minutes. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break the beef into very fine pieces.
    Ground beef onion and garlic in a pot with a wooden spoon
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring often, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the water, tomato sauce, ketchup, paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
    Process shot showing how to make hot dog chili.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili sauce thickens slightly.
    Horizontal side shot of a ladle in a pot of hot dog chili.
  • Spoon the chili sauce over cooked hot dogs in buns and finish with additional toppings of choice.
    Chili dogs with hot dog chili sauce, cheese, relish, and other toppings.

Video

Notes

  • Breaking up the beef: Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break the ground beef into very fine pieces as it cooks. A classic hot dog chili has no large chunks.
  • Sauce style: This is a sweet, ketchup-based condiment sauce for topping hot dogs. It's not a hearty bowl chili.
  • Simmer time: Give it the full 25 to 30 minutes to thicken. Simmer uncovered for an extra 5 to 10 minutes if you want it thicker.
  • Spice it up: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings for a spicier sauce.
  • Make ahead and freezer: Keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze in small portions for quick single servings.
  • Feeding a crowd: Plan on ¼ cup of chili per person (about 2 hot dogs each). Triple the recipe for 50 people, multiply by 6 for 100.
  • Protein swaps: Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or a blend with pork sausage or chorizo all work well.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 72.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.9g | Protein: 6.1g | Fat: 2.6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17.5mg | Sodium: 397.9mg | Potassium: 70.8mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4.1g