This homemade hot dog chili is the perfect topping for hot dogs! Do you love a good chili dog? If so, you have to try this recipe. It is so easy to make and tastes way better than what you buy in a can.
This recipe has been updated with new images and additional tips.
Sweet, tangy and meaty, this hot dog chili is the best I’ve made, perfected after spending many football weekends and backyard cookouts feasting on it.
You’ll definitely want to try this from-scratch hot dog chili recipe the next time your grilling hot dogs or hosting a backyard cookout. Make the very best chili cheese dogs the next time you’re tailgating!
Be sure to also check out our Best BBQ Side Dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made with basic ingredients like ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste and basic seasonings, this hot dog chili is incredibly flavorful and so easy to make. You probably already have everything you need to make it! There is really no comparison between homemade chili and what you buy in a can.
Chili Dogs are an easy go-to for summer grilling, quick dinners, tailgating and get-togethers. Hot dogs are an affordable, budget-friendly way to entertain friends and family. Simply making some homemade hot dog chili is an easy way to make your grilled hot dogs something extra yummy.
Hot dogs are also an easy way to get dinner on the table without any complaints from the kids. Why not make it spectacular with some homemade chili?
What Is The Difference Between Hot Dog Chili And Regular Chili?
The first thing you’ll notice is that hot dog chili traditionally is made without beans. Additionally, hot dog chili has a sweeter taste and is made with ketchup instead of diced or stewed tomatoes. Traditional chili tends to have a spicier flavor and chunkier texture.
Which Sides Do You Recommend I Serve With My Chili Dogs?
I’m glad you asked! I have a few suggestions that you can make from recipes on this site. This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is made with bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, pasta and peas. You don’t need to stress over a side dish because you can make it in the time it takes to boil water! Nothing says summertime like grilling out and this Lemon Macaroni Salad. This macaroni salad recipe is extra-special thanks to a lemony sauce for a fresh summer taste. Looking for a delicious and creamy potato salad that is packed with flavor? This southern-style Deviled Egg Potato Salad combines two classic favorites. There are some recipes that never go out of style. Spaghetti Salad is one of them. Spaghetti tossed with fresh veggies, Italian dressing, and a secret ingredient.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Add brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add ½ cup water and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add additional water if needed to reach the right consistency.
FAQs
Yes, if you like. Add ground pork and perhaps some paprika. This recipe already excludes any type of bean, so it’s similar to a Coney Dog in that regard.
A shredded cheddar cheese and diced onion for a classic chili cheese dog. Mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise are condiments that complement chili dogs. Sometimes, I like to simply add a little mayochup sauce to mine. I’ve read that celery salt also works nicely, as well as cream cheese.
It really depends on the type of meat you use. If it’s lean or extra lean, then no. That said, I wouldn’t recommend using lean meat for this recipe as I find them too flavorless.
How To Store Chili Dogs
You can refrigerate the chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. In either case, let it cool to room temperature before storing. It is also important you don’t leave the chili out for more than 2 hours. When it comes time to eat it again, you can microwave it on medium, being sure to stir it occasionally until the desired temperature is achieved. You can also reheat it on the stovetop on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
And, be sure to finish it all off with Summer’s Best Banana Pudding.
Some other Hot Dog Recipes you might like:
Hot Dogs In A Loaf Pan Recipe
4 Killer Hot Dog Recipes to Kick Off Summer
Mini Corn Dog Muffins with Dill Relish
4-Ingredient Chili Dog Casserole
Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 2 tsp. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large saucepan over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain thoroughly.
- Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
- Add brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add ½ cup water and simmer for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
This sounds and looks delicious! I’m hungry now (lol!)
I really like this recipe. This looks absolutely delicious.
I can honestly admit that I am the pickiest chili consumer in my family. I grew up in Clarksburg, WV and remember walking to town with my mom to eat chili buns (no weiner just chili) , Thelma’s in Stonewood, The Pit Stop also in Stonewood (owned by my late brother), T&L hotdogs, Yann’s in Fairmont, and Hometown Hotdogs (my favorite these days). I scoured the internet and Reddit for an hour before finding your recipe and with a little “tweaking” I added a sprinkle of hot pepper flakes, decreased sugar to 1 tsp, and added 1/4 tsp ground cumin and I am honestly in heaven right now! This takes me back to fond memories of my childhood and a time when things were simpler. Thank you for this amazing recipe so that I can now make my own hot dog chili that tastes as good, if not better, than my mom and Aunt’s and my favorite restaurants! This recipe is the real deal 10/10 5 stars all the way!
That’s so kind Beth, so happy to read your comment, you are making my day!
Is it ok 2x or 3x for a crowd? Making for my son’s Special Olympic Bocce ball state torment. l looks yummy and easy to make.
Yes Joyce that works!