Description
This **Hot Dog Chili** is the ultimate topping for chili dogs — meaty, savory, and packed with flavor. Thicker and smoother than traditional chili, it clings perfectly to hot dogs without sliding off. Made with simple pantry staples in under 30 minutes, it’s customizable (mild, spicy, smoky, or sweet) and freezer-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for BBQs, game days, and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat or 1 tsp brown sugar for sweetness
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Add flavor: Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve: Spoon generously over hot dogs and add toppings like cheese, onions, or jalapeños.
Notes
- For spicier chili, add cayenne, jalapeños, or chipotle in adobo.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
- Michigan sauce variation: sweeter and finely ground.
- Freezer-friendly — keeps up to 3 months.
- Also delicious on burgers, fries, nachos, or baked potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, BBQ, Game Day
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Hot Dog Chili, Chili Dog Sauce, Michigan Sauce, Chili Dogs, BBQ Recipes