My hot dog chili recipe is made with just a handful of simple ingredients in 20 minutes! I use lean ground beef so it’s less greasy, plus some chili powder and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
My Easy Recipe for Chili for Chili Dogs
Oh my goodness, do I love chili hot dogs with my hot dog chili recipe. They’re indulgent in the best, most savory protein-filled way, just how I like it! Give me a big plate of fries or a chili cheese dog and I’m happy any day.
I grew up eating chili dogs, and my family loved a good garbage plate every once in a while (no judgment, it’s the name of a Rochester, NY specialty with no actual garbage involved). And while I certainly partake in a good old-fashioned greasy chili dog from a local joint, even I can admit they don’t make me feel that great afterward.
So, I headed to my kitchen to see if I could make something similar from scratch. I used lean ground beef in the hopes of getting rid of some of that excess grease, and I’m thrilled with the results! Looks like I’ll be making homemade chili for my chili dogs next time the craving hits.
Needless to say, my fellow savory-food-fanatic husband Ben is super happy about this new recipe too!
I’ve got tons more sauce recipes to choose from! Try my tzatziki sauce, Big Mac sauce recipe, buffalo sauce recipe, and honey garlic sauce next.
How is hot dog chili different from regular chili?
Chili for hot dogs is usually simpler and has a smoother texture compared to regular chili. It’s also made with fewer ingredients, like ground beef, tomato paste, and basic seasonings. Unlike traditional chili, which often features beans and vegetables that must be simmered for a long time, chili sauce is meant to be a quick, tangy, and meaty topping for hot dogs!
Hot Dog Sauce Ingredients
- Ground beef – I prefer 90% lean ground beef here — it’s a lot less greasy!
- Water – Needed to cook the beef gently while it absorbs the flavors of the tomato paste and seasonings. Using beef broth would make it a lot richer!
- Tomato paste – The rich, concentrated tomato flavor so synonymous with chili dogs. It also helps thicken the sauce.
- Sugar – A touch of added sweetness to balance the acidity in the tomato paste and round out the other ingredients.
- Chili powder – For warmth and spice of course! It wouldn’t be a chili sauce without it.
- Garlic and onion powder – Both enhance the overall flavor — garlic adds extra savory notes while onion powder brings a mild sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce – Tangy and full of umami depth, Worcestershire sauce is another must!
How to Make Hot Dog Chili
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add the ground beef and water to a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat, then add the tomato paste, sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
STEP TWO: Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to cook for 20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
STEP THREE: Serve over hot dogs with cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Homemade Hot Dog Chili
- Lean ground beef is key to less oily results. I’ve had many a chili dog that was way, way too greasy in my day. After some testing, 90% ground beef was the clear winner!
- I know cooking the beef in water may seem strange, but trust the process! It essentially steams the meat, softening it as it cooks.
- Allow the chili to simmer for the full 20 minutes so the flavors have the chance to really meld. A slow simmer will get it there without drying it out.
- Be sure to taste the sauce as it cooks. Chili powder and Worcestershire in particular can vary in strength, so more balance may be needed. Add more sugar to make it sweeter, or more chili powder for extra spice.
- Let the chili rest a bit before spooning it over hot dogs. It will be a lot less runny… and messy!
Hot Dog Chili Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Cayenne pepper, jalapenos, or chili flakes will make the sauce a lot spicier! Or add a dash of hot sauce just before serving for just a touch more heat.
- Smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke would create a smoky twist. The barbecue-like flavor pairs so well with a good hot dog.
- I mention serving with cheese because chili cheese dogs are so good. Simply stir in some cheddar cheese or cream cheese at the end of cooking to make it creamy. Or sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of each hot dog before serving.
- To keep things refined-sugar-free, honey or maple syrup are both great options!
- Soy sauce or tamari has a similar flavor to Worcestershire sauce, or try balsamic vinegar instead.
What to Serve with Chili for Chili Dogs
I use this chili to top my air fryer hot dogs most often, but if I want something super indulgent, I’ll make my bacon-wrapped hot dogs instead! It’s also a tasty addition to my air fryer chili cheese hot dogs when I want a real, authentic chili sauce on top.
Hot Dog Chili Recipe FAQs
Can I make hot dog sauce spicier?
Yes! As mentioned, I make this homemade meat hot sauce spicier by adding cayenne pepper, jalapenos, or chili flakes while it cooks. For even more heat, try stirring in fresh chili peppers like serranos or habaneros.
Can I make hot dog chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Then, simply reheat it on the stove when ready to serve. I actually find it to be even more flavorful after a few days in the fridge — the flavors have much longer to really meld together.
How do you store leftover chili for chili dogs?
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before using — thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if working from frozen.
How else can I use leftover hot dog chili?
Leftover chili is super versatile! Use it to top baked potatoes, nachos, or simply over rice or pasta. It also makes for a great filling in tacos, chili cheese fries, or even as a dip for chips.
More Easy Recipes
Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and the water. Using a spatula, break the meat up, and add the tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, until the meat is cooked through.
- Serve it over hot dogs and enjoy. You can top with cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Lean ground beef is key to less oily results.
- Cooking the beef in water helps steam the meat, softening it as it cooks.
- Allow the chili to simmer for the full 20 minutes so the flavors have the chance to really meld. A slow simmer will get it there without drying it out.
- Be sure to taste the sauce as it cooks. Chili powder and Worcestershire in particular can vary in strength, so more balance may be needed. Add more sugar to make it sweeter, or more chili powder for extra spice.
- Let the chili rest a bit before spooning it over hot dogs. It will be a lot less runny… and messy!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Try using this for other recipes like baked potatoes, nachos, rice, pasta, as a filling in tacos, chili cheese fries, and even as a chip dip!
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
