Hot Dog Chili Recipe – A Flavorful Classic for the Perfect Dog
There’s nothing like a juicy hot dog topped with a rich, savory chili sauce to make your meal unforgettable. This Hot Dog Chili Recipe is the ultimate topping for game days, summer barbecues, or family dinners. It’s thick, flavorful, and just the right balance of spicy and sweet to complement any hot dog perfectly.

Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices (chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper). Mix well.
Step 4: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over grilled hot dogs.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Makes enough chili for about 8 hot dogs
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 12g
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Pairings / Suggestion
- Best served over grilled hot dogs in soft buns
- Add shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños for extra flair
- Pairs well with coleslaw, fries, or corn on the cob
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for summer cookouts, tailgate parties, or cozy game nights year-round.
Hot Dog Chili Recipe – A Flavorful Classic for the Perfect Dog
Course: Uncategorized8
servings10
minutes25
minutes180
kcalTurn your ordinary hot dogs into a crowd-pleasing favorite with this Hot Dog Chili Recipe! It’s rich, meaty, perfectly seasoned, and ideal for backyard BBQs, game days, or quick family dinners. Made with simple pantry staples, this chili adds bold flavor and a hearty bite to every dog!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup water
Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices (chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper). Mix well.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm over grilled hot dogs.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Hot Dog Chili is a savory and flavorful topping that transforms plain hot dogs into a comfort food classic. Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals. It’s a must-have for chili dog lovers!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and works great in this recipe.
Q3: Is this chili spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. You can make it hotter by adding cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
Conclusion
This Hot Dog Chili Recipe is a must-have for any chili lover or party planner. It’s quick, easy, and takes your regular hot dogs to the next level. Give it a try and wow your guests with bold flavor and irresistible texture!