Side Dishes

Hot Dog Chili Recipe

ByMia Rosetti February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Introduction

This hot dog chili is a flavorful, hearty sauce that takes your classic hot dogs to the next level. Made with ground beef and a blend of spices, it simmers to a rich, thick consistency perfect for spooning over your favorite buns.

Two hotdogs are placed side by side on a white plate sitting on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. Each hotdog has a soft, light golden bun holding a reddish-brown sausage. On top of each sausage, a thick layer of chunky chili with a reddish-brown color is spread, followed by a layer of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese melting slightly into the chili. The final layer is chopped white onions and small pieces of green parsley sprinkled over the chili and cheese, adding freshness and color contrast. In the background, there are clear bowls filled with finely chopped white onions and shredded cheddar cheese, along with a white bowl full of chili. Large canisters with blue floral patterns and wooden lids are also visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1-2 teaspoons white sugar (or to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Step 2: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bring the chili to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens.
Step 4: Spoon the chili over hot dogs and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, brown the beef well before adding the tomatoes to develop a richer flavor.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your preference.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy umami boost.
Use turkey or chicken ground meat for a lighter version of the chili.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two chili dogs sit side by side on a white plate placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each hot dog has a soft, light beige bun holding a browned sausage at the edges. The sausages are topped with a thick layer of reddish-brown chili meat, followed by a melting layer of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese. On top, there is a fresh layer of chopped white onions sprinkled with green parsley pieces. Around the main plate, there are white bowls with diced onions and green chopped herbs, and part of a plate showing more sausages and bread rolls. A woman’s hand is not visible but implied holding the food close up. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Is this chili good on foods other than hot dogs?

Absolutely! This chili works great over baked potatoes, nachos, or even mixed into pasta for a quick chili mac.

Hot Dog Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

This hearty Hot Dog Chili is a flavorful, easy-to-make chili topping perfect for enhancing your hot dogs. Combining ground beef with a rich blend of spices and tomatoes, this recipe simmers gently to develop deep, savory flavors that complement casual cookouts and weeknight dinners alike.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 6 cups of chili, enough to top 8-10 hot dogs 1x
Category: Sauce/Topping
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomatoes and Sauces

28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings

1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1–2 teaspoons white sugar (or to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Sauté meat and aromatics: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to a rich, hearty consistency.
Serve: Spoon the hot dog chili sauce generously over cooked hot dogs and serve immediately for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to control the spiciness according to your preference.
The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes; adjust according to taste.
This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
For a leaner option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.

Keywords: hot dog chili, chili topping, ground beef chili, hot dog sauce, easy chili recipe

Mia Rosetti

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