Elevate your next batch of snappy hot dogs on buns with a generous serving of this sweet and spicy hot dog chili. Chili dogs are probably more delicious than you remember.
Chili Hot Dog Recipe
I don’t eat hot dogs that often, but when I do, I prefer them slathered with chili and cheese. And while I love chili made with cumin and cayenne, it’s not right for a hot dog.
Hot dog chili, in my opinion, should force your taste buds to stand up and salute. And this chili hot dog recipe does just that. I definitely broke all the hot dog chili rules by adding beans, but they add a nice heartiness to every bite.
Over the years I’ve come across people who are really passionate about how they enjoy their hot dogs and its always been a little fascinating to me.
Here are a few things I’ve heard and read….let me know if agree…
Hot Dog Etiquette
Apparently this is hot dog dogma and what the so-called hot dog experts say is the proper way to enjoy a wiener.
- Dress the dog, not the bun. Put the dog into the bun, then add toppings.
- Apply condiments in this order: wet (mustard and chili), chunky (relish and onions), cheese, then spices.
- Choose sesame seed, poppy seed or plain-white buns over flavored buns of any kind.
- Serve hot dogs only on paper plates with paper napkins.
- Never ever use a fork to eat a hot dog.
- A hot dog should be eaten in 5 bites or fewer. It’s acceptable to eat a foot long dog in 7 bites.
- Ketchup on hot dogs is for children.
- Never take wine to a weiner roast. (I’ve definitely broken this rule.)
Chili Recipe for Hot Dogs (Ingredients)
Here is a quick run down of the ingredients you’ll need to make chili for hot dogs. Specific measurements can be found at the bottom of the post.
Lean ground beef – You’ll definitely want to use a lean (93/7) ground beef to avoid any excess fat.
Chili sauce – found in the condiment aisle, it’s a sweet and tangy sauce with a unique flavor twist. Resembles ketchup.
Kidney beans – adds a hearty bite to this chili.
Chili seasoning – found in the spice aisle in single pouches, this adds a lot of flavor and spice.
Water – helps thin the sauce
Buffalo wing sauce – adds a new twist of flavor to regular hot dog chili
Yellow mustard – adds acidity to the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce – flavor booster
Fresh lemon juice – balances out the sweetness of the chili sauce addition.
Onion powder – adds flavor similar to fresh cut onions, but in a more concentrated way
Hot dogs and buns – use your favorite brand
Shredded cheese – chili dogs with shredded cheese on top are the ultimate. I prefer using an extra sharp cheddar, but feel free to use your favorite.
White onion – I love white onion on top of chili dogs, but if you prefer something a little less sharp, red onion works great too. You can also leave them off completely.
How To Make The Best Hot Dog Chili
It couldn’t be easier to make hot dog chili, which is why it’s such a hit for parties and gatherings of any size. This recipe can easily be doubled and tripled if you’re having a larger gathering.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, Adding the chili sauce, kidney beans, chili seasoning, water, buffalo wing sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice and onion powder. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Prepare hot dogs according to their package directions.
- Place each hot dog in its bun and smother with chili, onion and cheese.
GET THE FULL (PRINTABLE) HOT DOG CHILI RECIPE BELOW. ENJOY!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely.
Make this hot dog chili up to three days ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.
Warm it up on the stove top over low heat before serving or keep in a slow cooker over low heat if you’re serving a group in a hot dog bar type situation.
What to Serve With Chili and Hot Dogs
Something to keep in mind, this type of hot dog chili is more of a condiment (sauce) that is served on top of hot dogs. This chili does not replace a regular beef chili that you would serve in a bowl (with a spoon) as a meal. This chili is sweeter and reminiscent of what you find at a diner that still serves the classic American chili dog.
If you’re hosting a barbecue or tailgate serve these chili dogs with some of the following side dishes for a complete meal.
- Pineapple Coleslaw or Mustard Coleslaw
- Spoonbread
- Bacon Broccoli Salad or Cauliflower Salad
- Horseradish Macaroni Salad
- Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad
- Fresh Corn and Basil Cakes or Fresh Creamed Corn
- Classic Pasta Salad
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Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 bottle (12 oz) chile sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) kidney beans
- 1 pouch (1 oz) chili seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsps buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tbsps yellow mustard
- 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 8 beef hot dogs and buns
- shredded, extra sharp cheddar cheese
- chopped white onion
Instructions
- In a large skillet using medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add chili sauce, kidney beans, chili seasoning, water, buffalo wing sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice and onion powder. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Cook hot dogs according to their package directions.
- Place each hot dog in its bun and smother with chili, onion and cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
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Dana F says
My kids’ new favorite recipe! Thank you so much, it’s hard to find something they all like!
Trisha says
Everyone at my house enjoyed it! My family loved it!
Kim says
These were so good! We had friends over for a game night and everyone loved these!!
Henri says
Loved loved this hot dog chili. Tasted so dang good!
Bob says
I think you’re right on adding the beans, not traditional but added a heartiness to hot dog chili.
Gigi says
Honestly this tasted amazing.
Bessa says
This was amazing.
Benny says
Loved the bean addition, made so much less runny and hearty!
Gaeler says
Loved it. Making again this weekend.
Rene says
Used chili beans instead of kidneys because that’s what I had and it was so good.
Wendy says
I’m looking forward to making this! Do you have a preferred/recommended brand of seasoning packets?
Cathy says
Any brand works and they are all very similar.
Kristyn says
Sometimes, there is nothing better than a chili dog, as we call them! This recipe is perfect & so tasty!!
Paula K says
These are a family favorite in my house! Great recipe!
Jennifer says
Totally addicting!! The whole fam LOVED these!