Chili dogs are a delicious and hearty meal that combines the flavors of juicy sausages and savory chili sauce. This comforting dish is loved by many and makes for a great crowd-pleaser at gatherings and family events. Whether you’re enjoying them at a backyard barbecue or in front of the TV during a game night, chili dogs are sure to satisfy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making chili dogs at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste and use high-quality sausages. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Serve with some crunchy potato chips on the side, and you have a simple yet satisfying meal.
How to Make Chili Dogs
To make delicious chili dogs, follow these straightforward steps:
Ingredients:
- 3 tsp smoked paprika (substitute with plain paprika)
- 3 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 red capsicum/bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 500 g/1 lb ground beef/beef mince
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g / 14 oz canned crushed tomato
- 2 beef cubes (I like Oxo, easy to crumble)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke or hot dogs of choice)
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1/2 white onion (finely chopped)
- Yellow mustard (I use Heinz American mustard)
- 2 cups Colby or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded or other cheese of choice)
- Plain crinkle cut potato chips (optional side for serving, traditional!)
Directions:
- Make the Chili Sauce: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red capsicum. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, beef cubes, and water. Add salt to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Prepare the Chili Dogs: While the sauce simmers, cook the sausages according to package instructions, either grilling, steaming, or pan-frying.
- Once the sausages are ready, place them in hot dog buns and top each with a generous amount of chili sauce.
- Finish with chopped white onion, yellow mustard, and shredded cheese.
How to Serve Chili Dogs
Serve the chili dogs hot on a plate or a serving tray. For extra crunch, serve with a side of plain crinkle-cut potato chips. Enjoy with friends and family for a delightful meal.
How to Store Chili Dogs
If you have leftovers, store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can keep the sausages separate and heat them up when ready to serve. To reheat the chili, use a stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chili Dogs
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference, especially the cayenne pepper for heat.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat.
- Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice!
Variation
You can customize your chili dogs by adding toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado. For a different flavor, try using different types of sausages or hot dogs.
FAQs
Can I make the chili sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the chili sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it when ready to serve.
What type of sausage is best for chili dogs?
- Smoked sausages like kransky or bratwurst work well. You can also use any hot dogs you prefer.
Can I freeze chili dogs?
- It’s best to freeze the chili sauce separately. You can cook the sausages fresh when ready to eat them. The chili can be frozen for up to three months.
Chili Dogs
Ingredients
For the Chili Sauce
- 3 tsp smoked paprika (substitute with plain paprika) Use more if a stronger flavor is desired.
- 3 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) Reduce for a milder sauce.
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp oregano
- 0.5 tsp mustard powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 0.5 onion (finely chopped)
- 0.5 red capsicum/bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 500 g ground beef/beef mince
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g canned crushed tomato
- 2 beef cubes (I like Oxo, easy to crumble)
- 1.5 cups water
- 0.75 tsp cooking/kosher salt Plus more to taste.
For the Chili Dogs
- 6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke or hot dogs of choice)
- 6 pieces hot dog buns
- 0.5 white onion (finely chopped)
- to taste Yellow mustard (I use Heinz American mustard)
- 2 cups Colby or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded or other cheese of choice)
- Plain crinkle cut potato chips (optional side for serving) Traditional!
Instructions
Make the Chili Sauce
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and red capsicum. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, beef cubes, and water. Add salt to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Prepare the Chili Dogs
- While the sauce simmers, cook the sausages according to package instructions, either grilling, steaming, or pan-frying.
- Once the sausages are ready, place them in hot dog buns and top each with a generous amount of chili sauce.
- Finish with chopped white onion, yellow mustard, and shredded cheese.
