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The Absolute Best Chili Dogs


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 chili dogs 1x

Description

Juicy grilled hot dogs tucked into toasted buns, smothered in hearty beef chili, melted cheddar, and fresh onions. The ultimate comfort food classic.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 beef hot dogs
  • 6 hot dog buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced white onion

For the chili:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thick.
  4. Meanwhile, grill or pan-fry hot dogs until slightly charred. Toast buns with butter in skillet or oven.
  5. Place hot dogs in buns. Add a sprinkle of cheese, spoon chili on top, and garnish with more cheese and diced onions.
  6. Serve hot with napkins — it’s gloriously messy!

Notes

  • Make chili ahead for deeper flavor.
  • To keep buns from getting soggy, toast and add cheese layer before chili.
  • Use quality hot dogs with natural casing for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop & Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chili dog
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: chili dogs, hot dogs with chili, comfort food, game day recipe, classic hot dog