Looking for The Best Hot Dog Chili recipe? You've come to the right place! This easy and delicious chili is perfect for hot dogs, fries, or hamburgers. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
For most people, hot dog chili usually comes in a can. I remember so often standing in the grocery store aisle looking at the cans and deciding on beans or no beans. There are so many reasons to make your own chili, from the taste being so much better to the amount of sodium being so high in the cans . You can put this on hot dogs, fries, baked potatoes, chips or just eat it in a bowl if that is how you like it. Let us know how you like it!
Try some of our other favorites, such as Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese, Pierogi Casserole, Ham and Cheese Sliders, or BBQ Chicken Bubble Up.
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Ingredients for Homemade Hot Dog Chili
- ground beef (or ground turkey)
- medium onion
- tomato sauce
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- black pepper
- brown sugar
- onion powder
- ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- yellow mustard
- salt
FAQs
Hot Dog Chili is a savory, beef-based sauce specifically made to top hot dogs. It is typically spiced with chili powder, garlic, and onions, and is smoother, less chunky than traditional chili. This chili is designed to complement the flavors of the hot dog without overpowering it.
Yes, the chili can be made ahead of time. Prepare the chili as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Yes, Hot Dog Chili freezes well. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of your chili by adding more chili powder or incorporating additional spices like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Taste as you go to ensure it reaches your desired level of heat.
Top Tips
- It is important to break up the ground beef or turkey while it cooks. When it's in crumbles, it'll combine nicely with the other ingredients to provide the proper consistency for hot dog chili.
- To crumble the meat, use a potato masher, meat chopper or even a fork.
- Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeño peppers to this chili sauce to make it spicy.
- Great toppings are sliced green onions, minced jalapenos, pickle relish, chopped onions (any sort), and shredded cheese.
- It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days stored in an air tight container.
- Hot Dog Chili Sauce can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Chili Sauce may also be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
How to make Easy Hot Dog Chili
- In a large skillet, cook the hamburger and onions until meat is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain grease, then place meat back into skillet.
- Add ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine well.
- Cook to desired consistency. If you want it thinner, add a little more tomato sauce or water.
- Stir the chili and serve hot. Enjoy!
Homemade Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the hamburger and onions until meat is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain grease, then place meat back into skillet.
- Add ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper and salt. Stir to combine well.
- Cook to desired consistency. If you want it thinner, add a little more tomato sauce or water.
- Stir and serve hot. Enjoy!
Rob
This sounds like a great recipe and the picture looks delicious. I plan on making it this weekend. However the recipe doesn't say how much Worcestershire sauce to use.
Jill Lockridge
Hello! Sorry about that. I have updated the ingredients to include 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. I hope you enjoy the recipe like we do! Thank you!
Dave
This is such a great alternative to the greasy stuff that comes out of a can. It tastes great as the chili on chili-cheese fries. Thanks for the recipe!
Jill Lockridge
Thank you! Very happy to hear you enjoyed the chili!