Kickin' Hot Dog Chili
The best hot dog chili recipe? This thick, rich chili takes you back to the diner! Easy to make, subtly spiced, and utterly craveable. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's talk chili! ever find yourself craving that classic diner hot dog chili ? you know, the kind that's slathered all over a perfectly grilled dog? honestly, shop-bought just doesn't cut it, does it? this hot dog chili recipe is about to change your summer bbq game.
Kickin' Hot Dog Chili: From My Kitchen to Your Grill
This hot dog chili recipe isn't just any old chili, love. it's got that proper american diner vibe. we're talking rich, thick, and packed with flavour.
It's so good, you will think you were south your mouth in the best way. it originates from those classic us diners, bringing that comfort food experience right to your kitchen.
This homemade hotdog chili is easy peasy to make. a solid hour and a half should have it bubbling away nicely.
One batch makes enough to smother eight dogs. dinner is sorted!
Main Benefits of My Easy Hot Dog Chili
Forget greasy takeaways! this chili is proper soul food. the beef gives you a good dose of protein, and the tomatoes are packed with goodness.
Honestly, this best hot dog chili recipe is spot on for garden parties, bank holidays, or just a cheeky mid-week treat! what makes this easy hot dog chili special? it's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
That touch of brown sugar with the kick of cayenne? pure flavour fireworks!
Ingredients You'll Need
Right, gather 'round, 'cause here's what you need to make this homemade hot dog chili . you'll need about a tablespoon of veg oil, a big onion, minced garlic, a pound of ground beef, spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
Tinned tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar join the party too. salt and pepper to season.
Job done! now, fancy starting the chili for hot dogs recipes crock pot procedure? we'll get this easy hot dog chili sauce recipe going without delay.
Alright, gather 'round, you lovely lot! we're tackling a hot dog chili recipe today, and trust me, this ain't your watery, bland stuff.
This is proper chili, the kind that makes your homemade hotdog chili dreams come true. it's a classic for a reason, and we're gonna nail it.
Kickin' Hot Dog Chili Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) (450g)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) (1.25 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (2.5 ml)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (425g)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed) (30 ml / Approx 35g)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (5 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Diced onion (optional)
- Yellow mustard (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot on hot dogs with your favorite toppings. This hot dog chili recipe is a diner classic!
Kitting Out the Kitchen & Stacking the Pantry
Before we get our aprons on, let's make sure we've got everything we need. don't worry, it's mostly stuff you'll already have kicking about.
This easy hot dog chili is designed for minimum fuss!
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
Right, here's the lineup, measurements and all. Honestly, don't stress too much about being exactly perfect. We're aiming for delicious, not Michelin star!
- Veggie Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – Any neutral oil will do.
- Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup). Go for a brown onion, it's got more flavour.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). 80/20 blend is ideal. You want a bit of fat for flavour, yeah?
- Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – Adjust to taste, yeah?
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) – This adds a serious depth of flavour! Don't skip it if you can help it.
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml). Careful with this, it's got a kick!
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g)
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g)
- Beef Broth: ½ cup (120 ml). Chicken broth works in a pinch.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed (30 ml / Approx 35g)
- Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – Trust me on this one!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) – It adds a lovely tang.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)
This is where the magic happens, love! The spice blend is key to a fantastic hot dog chili recipe easy quick .
For that classic diner vibe, the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are non-negotiable. the brown sugar and mustard might sound a bit odd, but they add a subtle sweetness and tang that balances everything out perfectly.
Honestly, just trust the process! think of this as the south your mouth hot dog chili , perfect for those late-night cravings!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need fancy gear for this best hot dog chili recipe .
- A large pot or Dutch oven: This is where all the action happens.
- A wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring, obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For, well, measuring!
If you haven't got a proper dutch oven, don't sweat it. a large, heavy-bottomed pot will do just fine. we're not aiming for perfection here, just deliciousness! now, let's get cooking, shall we? because nothing beats a chili for hot dogs recipes easy night with good friends and even better food.
Alright, love, let's get down to business! we're talkin' a proper hot dog chili recipe today. forget that watery stuff – we're aiming for thick , rich, and packed with flavour.
This is the best hot dog chili recipe this side of the pond, honestly! i'm going to show you my homemade hot dog chili method that's so easy, it's almost criminal.
You will not be needing a chili for hot dogs recipes crock pot with this recipe, and you wont be searching for chili for hot dogs recipes easy anymore!
Kickin' Hot Dog Chili: Your Dogs Will Thank You
Honestly, this easy hot dog chili is a game-changer. it's dead easy to make, tastes incredible, and is perfect for a summer bbq or even a cozy night in.
Now, the usual suspects are a must on your hotdog. but the magic starts with the chili, innit?
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place
- Essential mise en place: Chop one large onion, mince two cloves of garlic, and measure out your spices. Get everything ready before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes life so much easier.
- Time-saving organization tips: Pre-measure your spices into a small bowl. It's a real game changer.
- Safety reminders: Don't be a twit. Always be careful around hot oil and surfaces, yeah?
Step-by-Step: Chili Nirvana
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy chili!
- Spice it Up: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute , until fragrant. This is where the magic happens!
- Simmer Time: Add one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour , or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot on hot dogs with your favorite toppings. I’m a big fan of cheddar and diced onion.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chili
- For the South Your Mouth Hot Dog Chili Experience, don't skip the brown sugar! It balances the spice perfectly.
- Don't overcook the beef! It'll get tough and chewy. And nobody wants that, right?
- This hot dog chili sauce recipe is even better the next day! Make it ahead and store it in the fridge.
Honestly, give this hot dog chili recipe easy quick a go. You'll never look at hot dogs the same way again! This Homemade Hotdog Chili is proper lush. Cheers, and happy cooking!

Alright, let's chat about making this hot dog chili recipe truly your own. it's not just about following instructions, you know? it's about tweaking it to your taste, making it unforgettable.
Plus, a few tips and tricks never hurt anyone!
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Piling it High
Listen, presentation matters! forget just slapping chili on a hot dog. we're talking layers . a bit of finely diced onion first, then a generous ladle of our fantastic homemade hotdog chili , followed by a sprinkle of cheddar.
For extra credit? a drizzle of yellow mustard in a zig-zag pattern. if you're feeling fancy, serve with a side of coleslaw.
Its sweetness cuts through the richness of the chili perfectly . don't forget the napkins; this easy hot dog chili is gloriously messy! and you know what? maybe some crispy fries for dipping.
Honestly, who can resist that?
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Right, so you've made a massive batch of this best hot dog chili recipe . awesome! leftovers are your friend. once it's cooled, pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. portion it into freezer bags (laying them flat helps with quicker thawing) and it'll last for up to 3 months.
Reheating? gently does it. a low simmer on the hob, or a few minutes in the microwave, stirring occasionally, will do the trick.
Make sure it's piping hot before serving!
Variations: A Little Something Different
Fancy a change? this hot dog chili recipe easy quick is super adaptable. for a veggie version, swap out the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based mince.
You'll barely notice the difference! and for my gluten-free friends? just make sure your hot dog buns are gluten-free. job done.
If you fancy south your mouth hot dog chili , maybe add a pinch of brown sugar. i am telling you, just chefs kiss
Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Fun
Okay, so i'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. this chili for hot dogs recipes easy provides a good dose of protein from the beef.
Plus, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. the beef broth is packed with fat, but you need it!! just remember, it's a treat! balance is key.
Honestly, sometimes you just need that comfort food fix, right? you can totally add more vegetables to make it more healthy
So there you have it! your ultimate guide to mastering the hot dog chili sauce recipe . with a bit of practice, you'll be churning out diner-worthy easy hot dog chili in no time.
Now, go forth and chili! i know this homemade hot dog chili will change your life!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover hot dog chili recipe?
Storing your leftover hot dog chili is easy peasy! Once it's cooled down, pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, and Bob's your uncle!
Can I make this hot dog chili recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! For a spicier chili, you've got a few options. You could add a chopped jalapeño or two along with the onions and garlic. Or, try a pinch (or more, if you're brave!) of red pepper flakes. A dash of your favourite hot sauce can also do the trick. Taste as you go and adjust until it's just right for your taste buds, guv'nor.
Is there a way to make this hot dog chili recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Slow cooking is a fantastic way to develop even deeper flavors. Brown the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients, give it a good stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You'll come home to a chili that tastes like it's been simmering all day, like a proper Sunday roast.
Can I use different types of meat in this hot dog chili recipe?
You sure can! While ground beef is classic, feel free to experiment. Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option. You could also use ground pork or even a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. Variety is the spice of life, after all!
What are some topping suggestions other than the usual cheese and onions for this hot dog chili recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! How about a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist? Pickled jalapeños or banana peppers add a lovely zing. Crispy fried onions or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the whole experience. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a side of coleslaw will bring some freshness. Get creative and find your perfect combo; it's all about having a bit of fun!
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