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    Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe

    Cooking, Easy Recipes, Popular Recipes, Side Dishes Jump to Recipe

    collage photo with a bowl of hot dog chili beside a hot dog topped with chili and onions

    Perfect for cookouts, here’s an easy and oh-so-tasty homemade hot dog chili recipe that you can also freeze. You’ll never buy canned again!

    This homemade easy hot dog chili recipe will make you swear off the canned stuff forever.

    hot dog with chili, onions and potato chips

    It’s great on hot dogs, bratwurst, sausage, cheese dogs and hamburgers. Whenever we fire up the grill for a cookout, I always make a extra homemade hot dog chili so we can have some in the freezer for quick meals.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy here.

    And what goes better with a big sporting event than a chili-covered hot dog? If you’re gearing up to watch the playoffs or the Super Bowl or planning a March Madness spread, you need to add chili dogs to the menu.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • 🌭 Hot Dog Chili Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to Make Hot Dog Chili
    • 💭  Top tip
    • 📖 Variations & Substitutions
    • Storing & Freezing Leftovers
    • Hot Dog Chili & Toppings
    • How to Create a Hot Dog Toppings Bar
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Cookout Favorites
    • 🎥 Hot Dog Chili Recipe Card & Video
    • Homemade Hot Dog Chili
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Storing & Freezing Leftovers

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    ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    Once you try this scratch hot dog chili recipe, you’ll never buy canned again.

    This particular hot dog chili recipe, which you’ll find at the end of this post, uses ketchup, mustard, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce, along with salt and pepper. The combination gives the hot dog chili a tangy flavor.

    The recipe is very easy to make, using items you already have in your fridge or pantry. It’s versatilie, too. You can make it ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It can also be frozen.

    When hot dogs are on the menu, you can keep the rest of the fare pretty simple. Just make sure you provide lots of options for hot dog toppings — chili, onions, relish, slaw and kraut.

    Want to see a brief overview of the process before diving into the recipe? Click to watch my web story on how to make the best hot dog chili.

    hot dog topping bar

    We usually serve chips or fries, coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad with hot dogs. Salted watermelon or mandarin orange Jell-O salad are refreshing and easy dessert choices that go well with hot dogs.

    🌭 Hot Dog Chili Ingredients

    For this quick and easy hot dog chili recipe, you will need:

    ground beef, onion, ketchup, mustard and other ingredients to make hot dog chili
    • Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef for this recipe.
    • Onion – Use a Vidalia onion or another sweet variety for this recipe.
    • Garlic – You can use finely minced garlic or a garlic press. In a pinch, substitute a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
    • Olive Oil – While the ground beef has some fat, you’ll need a bit of olive oil to saute the onions and garlic.
    • Ketchup – We switched to Heinz Simply tomato ketchup and prefer the taste of it to other brands and varieties. It’s my choice for this recipe because it’s less sweet than other ketchup.
    • Mustard – Forget the fancy stuff; stick with regular yellow mustard when making hot dog chili
    • Worcestershire sauce -You’ll need just a little bit to add some bold, tangy flavor to the chili.
    • Chili Powder – This is used for flavoring, not to add spiciness to the hot dog chili.
    • Salt and Pepper

    🔪 How to Make Hot Dog Chili

    I first shared this hot dog chili recipe Today’s Creative Life. In case you missed it there, here are all the details.

    In some parts of America, people refer to chili as hot dog sauce. That’s due to the texture, which is much finer than meat-and-beans style chili, which is great from a bowl on a cold day.

    hot dog chili in a bowl

    This chili is a condiment, like ketchup or mustard, that you spread on top of your hot dogs. So, you don’t want the beef chunky.

    The best way to accomplish this is by adding water to the ground beef before you cook it. (I prefer to use lean ground beef.)

    bowl of ground beef in water

    It sounds weird, I know, and it’s not the most appetizing image either. But it makes for some mighty good hot dog chili sauce.

    Add just enough water to cover the ground beef. Then break the beef up with a wooden spoon. Or, if you’re really gung ho, dig your hands in and break up the meat by letting it squish through your (clean) fingers.

    For a beefier flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water to break up the meat.

    onions cooking in a pan

    I let the ground beef soak while I’m sweating the onions and garlic.

    Once they’re soft, add the beef and water to the pan and let the meat brown.

    browning ground beef to make hot dog chili

    Next, add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, spices and salt and pepper.

    adding ketchup and mustard to homemade hot dog chili

    Reduce heat and simmer until the chili has reduced and thickened.

    thickened hot dog chili in a pan

    💭  Top tip

    You can make this hot dog chili right before heading outside to grill, but it’s best if you allow it to simmer so the flavors can meld. The more it simmers, the thicker and more richly flavored the hot dog chili will become.

    When we are hosting a cookout or party, I usually make the chili a day or so ahead of time. Then, I’m able to reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

    📖 Variations & Substitutions

    This hotdog chili is so good that I don’t recommend making a lot of tweaks to the recipe. But here are a few variations and substitutions you could try..

    • Substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef.
    • For a more beefy flavor, use beef broth instead of water
    • If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

    Storing & Freezing Leftovers

    If you plan to eat the leftover chili within a few day, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan. You can also reheat it over low heat in a slow cooker.

    Whenever I make hot dog chili, I cook a big batch and freeze the leftovers in individual dinner-sized portions. We freeze the leftover homemade hot dog chili flat in quart-size bags for easy storage and thawing.

    If you do a lot of freezer meals, these clever bag holders are a great buy. They make easy work of filling freezer bags without making a mess.

    Because you can make this hot dog chili ahead of time and freeze it, it’s also good for tailgating. Just throw it in a sauce pan or a slow cooker to reheat. You can also reheat in the microwave.

    Hot Dog Chili & Toppings

    I’ve found that everybody has a preferred way of topping a hot dog. Some people even have rules about whether the ketchup should go under the dog or on top.

    hot dog with chili and a side of chips

    My husband loves his hot dogs served Carolina style — with chili, slaw and onions.

    man eating a hot dog topped with chili and slaw

    I love to slather this chili on brats with pickle relish and spicy mustard. It’s also great on hamburgers. Messy, but tasty.

    What’s your favorite way to top your hot dogs?

    grilled hotdogs and buns on a plate with a baseball home plate sign

    How to Create a Hot Dog Toppings Bar

    To make sure that everybody gets to have their hot dog their way, it’s always fun to set up a hot dog toppings bar with everybody’s favorite condiments.

    buffet with hot dogs, condiments and toppings

    Be sure to offer the classic hot dog toppings, like chili, slaw, relish and onions.

    hot dog toppings in square glass bowls

    But I always add a few unexpected choices, like salsa or crumbled bacon, too.

    hot dog and chips in a red basket

    Popular hot dog toppings and condiments include:

    • hot dog chili or sauce
    • onions (grilled or raw)
    • coleslaw
    • grilled peppers
    • sauerkraut
    • cheddar cheese
    • pickle relish
    • pickles
    • salsa
    • jalapenos
    • ketchup
    • mustard
    • mayonnaise

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Answers to readers questions about this recipe.

    What goes with hot dogs and chili?

    Hot dogs might be America’s favorite cookout food!

    I’ve already mentioned a few things you might want to serve on your hot dogs. But what about sides to go with them?

    Potato chips, french fries and onion rings are always a good choice. If you’re feeling fancy, give these fried squash chips or loaded avocado fries a try.

    At a cookout, you can’t go wrong with southern-style baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad along with the hot dogs. A fruit salad is another good choice.

    Can hot dog chili be frozen?

    Yes, I freeze this hot dog chili all the time. I usually put it in a zippered bag and lay it flat in the freezer.

    You can also freeze hot dog chili in ice trays for single-serving portions. Store individual servings in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.

    When you’re ready to serve, just thaw the chili in the refrigerator. Then remove it from the bag and reheat, either on the stove or in the microwave.

    You can also reheat it in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. I’d use this method for a potluck.

    You can also use a slow cooker to keep hot dog chili warm for serving.

    What is the difference between hot dog chili and regular chili?

    Hot dog chili is mean to be used as a condiment, and it doesn’t have as many spices or ingredients as traditional chili that is served in a bowl. There are no beans, peppers or tomatoes (other than the the ketchup) in hot dog chili. And the flavor is more tangy than spicy.

    More Cookout Favorites

    If you enjoyed this recipe for homemade hot dog chili, be sure to check out these other cookout favorites.

    • Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs
    • North Carolina Style Barbecue
    • Mandarin Orange Salad
    • Honey & Blue Cheese Kettle Potato Chips
    • Southern Baked Beans Recipe

    Pin This! The Best Hot Dog Chili Sauce

    collage photo with a bowl of hot dog chili beside a hot dog topped with chili and onions

    🎥 Hot Dog Chili Recipe Card & Video

    hot dog with chili, onions and potato chips

    Homemade Hot Dog Chili

    This tangy hot dog chili is the perfect topping for hot dogs, brats and hamburgers. Once you try it, you’ll never eat canned chili again
    4.73 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 227 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • ½ to ⅔ cup water or beef broth
    • 1 medium Vidalia onion or sweet onion finely diced
    • 2 cloves garlic finely diced
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cups ketchup
    • 1 Tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Place lean ground beef in a bowl and cover with water or broth. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to break up the beef. Set aside.
    • Over medium heat, saute diced onion and garlic in olive oil in a large saute pan or Dutch oven.
    • Once the onion and garlic are soft, add the ground beef and water to the pan. Cook about 5 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink on the outside.
    • Add ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce.
    • Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture has thickened and reduced and the beef is cooked through.

    Video

    Notes

    This chili gets better the longer it simmers and thickens. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan. 
    Serve chili on hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers or grilled sausage.
     

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Use ground turkey or ground pork in place of ground beef.
    • For a more beefy flavor, use beef broth instead of water
    • Substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder for minced garlic
    •  

    Storing & Freezing Leftovers

    Store leftover hot dog chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan or in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours.
    To freeze: Transfer chili to quart-size freezer bags, press out any area and store flat for easy storage and thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a saucepan or in the microwave. You can also reheat chili in or in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 18gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 1019mgPotassium: 571mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 612IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chili, condiment, cookout, ground beef
    Did You Make This?Mention @AttaGirlSays or tag #attagirlsays!

    Filed Under: Cooking, Easy Recipes, Popular Recipes, Side Dishes Tagged With: cookout, July 4, july 4th, Labor Day

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heidi

      March 09, 2022 at 9:58 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was a hit with my picky kids! I will definitely make this again.

      Reply
    2. Tommy Ackerman

      June 28, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      What a great chili topping recipe. It’s tasty, easy, and filling. I liked it so much I featured you and the recipe on my loaded french fries blog post. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Lindsey

      June 04, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Could I make this ahead of time and reheat in a crockpot? Wanting this for a hot dog bar but won’t have a lot of time for actual cooking the day of the party. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        June 07, 2018 at 1:20 pm

        You can definitely make this ahead of time and reheat. We do that all the time. I even freeze the leftovers and reheat.

        Reply
    4. Neal R.

      May 29, 2018 at 7:12 pm

      I’m late to the party on this one, but I have another suggestion some folks might like to try. Omit the water. After browning the beef, mash it up real good with a potato masher. Add the ketchup, etc., plus add in a can of beef consomme or beef broth, and allow to cook down to your preferred consistency. The consomme/broth does the job of the water while adding a little more beefy flavor. Another totally optional step, if you feel like messing with it at all, is to dump the cooked concoction into a food processor and give it a few whirls to break the meat down to a saucier style. This has worked well for me, but, I admit, I don’t always go to the extra trouble.

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        June 07, 2018 at 1:21 pm

        These are great tips. I’m going to have to try using the broth next time I make it! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    5. Mike

      May 23, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      great recipe. I did 1 1/2 cups ketchup and 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce and added some Sambal for heat. Tasted great.

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        May 24, 2018 at 11:36 am

        Ooh, I’m going to have to give your variation a try. I love spicy!

        Reply
    6. Mary

      October 16, 2017 at 9:24 am

      My husband loves chili dogs. I’m not a big fan of the chili sauce in a can, so I did a search and came across this recipe. I really liked it and so did my husband. He won’t buy the cans any more lol. Thank you for sharing!!!

      Reply
    7. Sarah Hansen

      October 01, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      HI – we are going to use this recipe for an office potluck. I need to serve 50. How many does the above serve? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        October 04, 2017 at 8:39 am

        Sarah, I hope you get this reply in time. This recipe makes enough to top 6-8 hot dogs.

        Hope the office potluck is a lot of fun. I still miss “goodie day,” the annual holiday feast at the newspaper where I used to work.

        — Amy

        Reply
    8. Beth Sowell

      September 04, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      4 stars
      I made this chili recipe for a birthday cookout yesterday. I didn’t want to use two cups of ketchup because of the amount of sugar in ketchup so I used a small can of tomato paste instead and added a little water to “loosen it up”. I skipped the part about putting water on the beef, not sure why you did that. Everyone loved the chili, great recipe, thanks for sharing it.

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        September 05, 2017 at 12:27 pm

        Glad it worked out for you. I’ve also skipped the ketchup before when I was running low and used a mixture of tomato sauce and paste instead. The water is just used to break up the ground beef. I’ll admit that I don’t love looking at the beef soaking in the water, so I may try your method the next time.

        Reply
    9. Theresa @DearCreatives

      September 14, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      Nothing like a good chili & topped on a dog. Yum! Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. See you again soon. Shared.

      Reply
    10. Deb R

      September 12, 2016 at 10:15 am

      Can this sauce be frozen?

      Reply
      • Atta Girl Amy

        January 29, 2018 at 1:24 pm

        Yes, I freeze this all the time. I usually put it in a zippered bag and lay it flat in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw, remove from the bag and reheat, either on the stove or in the microwave.

        Reply
    11. Robin

      September 11, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Here in WV, you’ve got to have good chili to go with the sweetness of the slaw. Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster Party. PINNED!

      Reply
    12. Amanda

      September 08, 2016 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      Yum! I can’t remember when I last had chili on my hotdog…Thanks for joining the Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday. I can’t wait to see what you link up with next week!

      Reply

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