Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon/5g)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (about ¾ cup/120g)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for flavour)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can (400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can (225g) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) packed brown sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 high-quality beef sausages (such as frankfurters or hot dogs), about 5 inches (12cm) long
  • 6 hot dog buns
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (Optional)
  • Diced white onion (Optional)
  • Yellow mustard (Optional)
  • Relish (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in Dutch oven. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and bell pepper, cook until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bring chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  6. While chili simmers, cook sausages according to package directions (grilling, pan-frying, or steaming).
  7. Place each sausage in a hot dog bun. Top with a generous helping of chili.
  8. Add desired toppings (cheese, onion, mustard, relish).
  9. Serve immediately!