Chili Dog - Simply Recipes

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Chili Dog

You'll want to have extra napkins ready for this American classic.

By Elise Bauer Elise Bauer Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University. Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process Updated March 24, 2024 5 Ratings Save Print Close

Jump to recipe The 20 Best Chili Recipes Ever FEATURED IN:

Whoever invented the chili dog, a hot dog in a bun smothered with chili and sprinkled with cheese and onions, should be given a medal.

Messy, spicy, filling, did I say messy? Some claim that you can actually eat it with your hands.

Maybe, if it's right off the grill, and you don't have much chili on it, and the bottom is wrapped in foil or wax paper.

If you do attempt such a thing, for goodness sake don't wear white. I personally have never had much luck with these without utensils, and even then if I'm thinking ahead I'll tuck a paper napkin in my shirt.

Chili dogs are great for summer cookouts; you can make the chili ahead and all you have to do is grill the hot dogs and buns long enough to get some char marks. They cook up quickly and can feed many, and happily, and are perfect with a tall glass of lemonade, or a frosty beer.

My Family Taste-Tested 7 Different All-Beef Hot Dogs—Here’s What We Thought READ MORE: Print Save

Chili Dog

Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 65 mins Servings 16 to 20 hot dogs

The chili recipe makes enough chili for 16 to 20 hot dogs, which may seem like a lot, but you're just getting a large spoonful with each dog. So, if you have fewer people to cook for, just use the leftover chili as a stand-alone dish for later. If you're feeding more, just double the chili recipe. You'll be happy you made a big batch.

Get the best quality hot dog you can, we tend to look for kosher dogs. The hot dogs only need to be grilled enough to be heated; they are already cooked when you take them out of the package.

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• 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 4 chopped garlic cloves

• 16 ounce can tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons molasses or honey

• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cayenne, optional

• Salt

• As many hot dogs as you have people to serve

• Buns for the hot dogs

• Chopped red onion, for garnish

• Shredded cheddar (or jack) cheese, for garnish

1. Cook the bacon, onions, ground beef, garlic:

   Fry the bacon over medium heat until it begins to get crispy, then add the chopped onions and fry over high heat, stirring often, until they begin to brown.

   Stir in the ground beef. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, a few minutes.

   When the beef is about halfway browned, stir in the chopped garlic.

2. Add the tomato sauce, molasses, broth, spices:

   Once the beef is well browned, stir in the tomato sauce, molasses and beef broth.

   Add all the spices except the cayenne and stir well. Bring to a simmer and taste. Add salt or the cayenne if it needs it.

   You can add more cayenne or chili powder if you like things really spicy, but taste first before adding more.

3. Simmer for 30 min or more:

   Cook the chili on a gentle simmer for at least 30 minutes before you start grilling the hot dogs. You can cook it several hours if you want to, adding a little more beef broth here and there if the chili gets to dry.

4. Grill the hot dogs:

   Grill the hot dogs over medium heat until they get a light char. Grill the hot dog buns briefly if you want – no more than a minute, as they will burn fast. You can also paint the buns with olive oil or butter before grilling if you’d like.

   Dog goes in bun, chili goes on top, sprinkle on chopped red onion and shredded cheese, and have at it!

   Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
537	Calories
31g	Fat
34g	Carbs
30g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label ×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16 to 20
Amount per serving
Calories	537
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31g	40%
Saturated Fat 12g	59%
Cholesterol 86mg	29%
Sodium 1175mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate 34g	12%
Dietary Fiber 2g	8%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 30g
Vitamin C 3mg	17%
Calcium 172mg	13%
Iron 5mg	26%
Potassium 590mg	13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Hot Dogs with Sriracha and Asian-Inspired Slaw 35 mins Chicago Hot Dogs 18 mins Corn Dog Muffins 20 mins Ratings Grilled Spicy Citrus Ribs With Bourbon Glaze 110 mins Ratings Smoky Paprika Shrimp Skewers 48 mins Ratings Hot Dogs with Spicy Kimchi Slaw 20 mins Beef Kebabs 60 mins Ratings Country-Style Ribs on the Grill 3 hrs Ratings Easy Sausage, Peppers, and Onions 50 mins Ratings Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip 95 mins Ratings Grilled Carrot Dogs 33 mins New Jersey Italian Hot Dog 45 mins Ratings Sausage Rolls 60 mins Air Fryer Hot Dogs 12 mins Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili 8 hrs Grilled Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut 65 mins