A spoonful of Homemade Hot Dog Chili is all it takes to turn a simple hot dog into something memorable. Bold flavor, easy prep, and always a crowd favorite!
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🌭 Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
My 2 Best Tips For Making Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Break It Small: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break the ground beef into very fine crumbles for that authentic hot dog chili texture.
Low and Slow: Don't skip the 20-minute simmer time, this allows the flavors to mix together and creates a richer, more developed taste.
If your chili seems too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up; if it's too thin, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. I've learned that getting the right consistency makes all the difference when it comes to clinging to your hot dog perfectly.
I always taste before serving and adjust the seasonings because everyone's palate is different, and you might want extra chili powder or a pinch of salt depending on your preferences. Those final tweaks turn good chili into great chili.
You can use this chili over hot dogs, of course, but the possibilities don't end there! I love spooning it over nachos, baked potatoes, or even scrambled eggs for a nice breakfast twist. These versatile toppings work for any meal, from game day gatherings to quick weeknight dinners!
🩷 Melissa
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Homemade Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium white onion (diced)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Use a spatula or spoon to break up the ground beef and cook it for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink in the middle.
- Add the tomato sauce and give the mixture a quick stir. Place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Allow the chili to cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve over hot dogs and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep your chili fresh in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, transfer the chili to a large resealable bag, press out all the air, and freeze for up to three months.
- Warm chilled leftovers in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, covering with a paper towel to avoid messy splatters.
- For frozen chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the microwave or gently reheat in a pot over low heat on the stovetop.
Nutrition
How To Make Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Step 1: Combine the ground beef, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder in a large pot.
Step 2: Use a spatula or spoon to break up the ground beef and cook until the beef is no longer pink in the middle. Add the tomato sauce and give the mixture a quick stir.
Step 3: Place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer. Allow the chili to cook until bubbly.
Step 4: Serve over hot dogs and enjoy! The chili is also great over hotdogs with added shredded cheese and chopped white onion on top.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe. Just note that the flavor will be slightly lighter, so you may want to add an extra ¼ teaspoon of chili powder for depth.
This usually happens if the tomato sauce you used was too thin or if you didn't simmer long enough. Let it cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid and thicken the consistency.
Yes, brown the beef and onions first in a skillet, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
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