Hot Dog Chili is the perfect way to make top dogs!
In just 15 minutes, whip up a flavorful beanless chili with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a medley of seasonings that will make the perfect topping.
Savory and satisfying, you’ll be coming back for seconds.
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Ingredients for Hot Dog Chili
It’s a one-size-fits-all condiment for hot dogs, brats, and even hamburgers. You could even try it on omelets and grilled cheese sandwiches!
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey or ground pork.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the chili.
- Tomato sauce & beef broth: Provides a rich tomato base for the chili.
- Mustard and Worcestershire sauce: Adds tanginess and savory flavors to the chili.
- Seasonings: A blend of spices that gives the chili a warm, savory, and slightly spicy kick.
- Brown sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
To Make Hot Dog Chili
This homemade Hot Dog Chili Sauce is so delicious and so easy to make.
- Cook ground beef and onions (per the recipe below).
- Mix all ingredients together and simmer until it reaches desired thickness.
Spoon over hot dogs and serve with a side of french fries for a ‘ballpark’ meal everyone will love!
What to serve with chili dogs
Once you try this easy hot dog chili recipe, it’ll be a go to! Make it into a full meal deal with the favorite summer sides.
Other Delicious Chili Dog Toppings
Hot dogs are an ideal on-the-go option, ready to be customized with an array of toppings. Explore this list of my favorite combinations to enhance your hot dog experience!
- Veggies: diced or fried onions, sundried tomatoes, jalapenos, or pepperoncini.
- Cheese: shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or spicy habanero!
- Sauces: pickle relish, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Other: black olives, black beans, or bacon bits.
The difference between ground beef chili recipe and this hot dog chili recipe is the sweetness and this one skips the beans making it perfect for topping hotdogs or even burgers. You can use it a replacement for ketchup.
Absolutely! Hot dog chili is not just limited to hot dogs; get creative and try it on juicy burgers, sizzling brats, or even as a zesty sauce for omelets and grilled cheese sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
Yes, planning ahead is a great idea. Prepare a batch of hot dog chili in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes, you can freeze hot dog chili. To freeze, simply transfer the chili to airtight containers or freezer bags, keep in the freezer for up to four months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Tailgate Favorites
Did you make this Hot Dog Chili Sauce? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion diced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
Instructions
- In a 12" skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and beef stock or broth.
- Simmer the chili for 15 minutes or until the stock has cooked down and the chili sauce reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Spoon the hot dog chili over cooked hot dogs and add toppings as desired.
Notes
- Leftover Hot Dog Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- For a thicker chili, simmer it for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Feel free to customize your hot dogs by adding your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or pickles.
- This hot dog chili also pairs well with other dishes like burgers or fries.
- Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Sauce
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This is so easy and so good. First time I’ve made chili dog sauce. I followed recipe exactly except I used 85% ground meat because that’s what I had in my freezer.My husband requested for watching play off games(nfl) We tailgate at home due to pandemic.
Too sweet. Not really enough taste of anything. Very bland. Definitely needed salt, pepper and more chili powder.
Sorry that you didn’t enjoy it as much as we do Keith. This chili is easy to add extra seasonings to adapt to your tastes.
A long time ago, I remember hearing one of the cooks on The Food Network say that her rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of salt per pound of ground beef. I noticed this recipe has no salt at all, so just add a teaspoon of salt and it should be a lot better, though you may have to add just a little more because of the other ingredients.
I always add salt to food, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it because I know what the result will be if I don’t: bland and tasteless.
Awesome southern hot dog chili! It was a hit with my family. I did add a little tomato paste to it! It’s a southern thang!
I had high hopes, but was not at all impressed. Super bland tasting. It’s a good base for someone to start with. I had to add ketchup, salt, and 2 more tbsp of chili powder.
Sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy this as much as we do Ashley. Thank you for trying the recipe.
I don’t like to leave a bad review but this just wasn’t good. Maybe its a regional thing. This tasted watery even after letting it cook down. Its like a oniony bad sloppy joe. Sorry. I really had high hopes for this
Sorry to hear that you didn’t love this chili as much as we do Dawn! Thank you for trying it.
Easy and delicious!!!
Incredibly delicious and addicting chili sauce. I just kept taking bite after bite while cooking and when I was putting it away in containers to freeze…can’t wait to try with fries and hotdogs! I tweeked it a little by adding real crushed garlic, some minced celery (2 stalks) and a Tablespoon and a half of chili powder instead of just a half tablespoon. I also simmered it for about an hour and a half (adding water when I stirred every 15 minutes if needed so it wouldn’t dry out) All of which I think made it much more intense and richer tasting. YUMMMMM!!!
hot dog chili. what do u add if u want it thinner?
For a thinner chili, you could add more tomato sauce or more beef stock Don. Enjoy!
I’ve loved the recipes I’ve seen so far.
We are so happy you’ve been enjoying the recipes, Annie!
Great recipe
Great recipe…Thank you!!!
I didn’t realize until after making this that it essentially a watered down sloppy joe recipe. Not the kind of hotdog chili I would prefer, but still tastes great.
I add a little Ketchup at the end of simmering for a little sweet spin. Worked great! Thanks for the recipe!
Unfortunately the brown sugar, which I cut in half ruined this hot dog chili for me. I don’t know how to fix back to savory.
Hi Mollie, you could omit the brown sugar if you prefer. :)
Made this on Super Bowl Sunday and my two picky boys loved it over hot dogs! Way better than canned Michigan Sauce, which we can’t find easily on the East Coast. Thanks for the recipie!
Tried the hot dog chili it was excellent.
Great sauce for brats .thanks Holly …John DE Blieck ps very timely.
So glad you enjoyed it John!
Holly, I love all your recipes. You are the best! Thanks for all you do. Kathy
Thank you so much Kathy! I’m glad you are enjoying them!
Here in Montreal, we call that a Michigan sauce. It’s very versatile and flexible. If you don’t want sugar in it, you can leave it out. Don’t want it to be spicy? Leave out the pepper flakes. Want it to have a bit more kick? Add some of your favourite hot sauce to the pot or just on top when you prep the hot dog. Want it saucier, add some extra tomato sauce. It’s easy to make small modifications to suit your needs or personal taste buds.
I love making burgers with some shredded mozzarella directly on the patty then pile on as much sauce as you want to melt the cheese. On hot dogs, I love it topped with chopped Spanish onions to give it that finishing bite.
It freezes really well and I usually make up a big batch and freeze it in quantities for 2 servings. Just defrost however many servings I need when I need it.
I had no idea it was also called Michigan sauce! Thanks for sharing all of your tips Robert, I especially love the idea of freezing in small batches.
Can’t wait to try this recipe. Sounds delicious.
Enjoy Nancy, we love this recipe!