You know those hot dog carts on the street that sell the best chili dogs in town? Ever wonder what their secret ingredient is to get that perfect chili flavor? Well, wonder no more! We’re revealing the best homemade hot dog chili recipe that will impress all your friends and family. Making your own chili from scratch is easier than you think. In just 30 minutes, you can have a big pot of this mouthwatering chili ready for your next cookout or game day party. With just the right blend of ground beef, beans, spices, and other simple ingredients, this chili packs a flavor punch that beats any from a can or a cart.
So put on your apron and get ready to become the neighborhood chili dog master! This easy homemade recipe is about to become your new go-to.
An Introduction to Hot Dog Chili
Every region has their own idea of what makes the perfect hot dog chili. Some like it spicy, others prefer a sweeter chili. Some chili is bean-heavy while others are more meat-centric. The options are endless!
Ingredients
The basic ingredients you’ll need for homemade hot dog chili are:
- Ground beef or turkey: Use a meat that you enjoy and fits your budget. Ground chuck, sirloin, or turkey work great.
- Chili powder: provides a spicy kick and the classic chili flavor. Ancho or chipotle chili powder will give it a smoky flavor.
- Tomatoes (diced or sauce): Adds moisture, acidity, and tomatoey flavor.
- Beans (optional): Kidney, pinto or black beans are common. Adds protein, texture, and body. Leave out for a meat-only chili.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, cumin, oregano. Provide flavor foundation.
- Liquid (broth or beer): Thins out the chili and enhances the flavor. Use beef, chicken or vegetable broth. Dark beer also works great.
- Seasonings: Chili needs layers of flavor. Add cayenne, paprika, crushed red pepper, cilantro, etc. for extra spice and herbs.
Method
Browning the meat with aromatics, then simmering in liquids is the basic method. Sauté onions and garlic, add ground meat and spices. Cook until browned. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Top your hot dogs and dig in!
The options for homemade hot dog chili are endless. Make it your own by choosing ingredients and spices you love. Your perfect hot dog chili is out there, so get creating!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Simple Hot Dog Chili Recipe
To make this homemade hot dog chili, you’ll only need a few basic ingredients.
The Meat
Ground beef and pork are classics, but you can also use ground turkey for a lighter option. Aim for about 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds of ground meat. Cook the meat in a pan until browned, then drain off the excess grease.
The Beans
You’ll want 2 (15 ounce) cans of beans, such as kidney, pinto or black beans. Drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium. Beans provide protein and help thicken the chili.
The Spices
The spices are what gives chili its signature kick. You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon each of cumin, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon each of crushed red pepper flakes, paprika and dried mustard
You can adjust the spices to your desired heat level. More crushed red pepper will amp up the spice while reducing the chili powder will make it milder.
Other Essentials
Also, grab:
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- Minced garlic ( 3 to 4 cloves)
- Chopped onion (1 medium)
With these few simple ingredients, you’ll have an easy homemade chili ready in under an hour. Customize each batch with your favorite spices and extras like corn, peppers or hot sauce. Your hot dogs will never be the same!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Hot Dog Chili
To make the perfect hot dog chili, gather the following ingredients:
-1 pound ground beef or turkey
-15 ounce (1 can) each of black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans
-1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tablespoons chili powder
-1 teaspoon each cumin, oregano, and paprika
-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the ground meat
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the veggies
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Spices and beans
Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the onions and garlic, then add the crushed tomatoes, beans, and cooked ground beef.
Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
Adjust seasonings
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You want a bold, spicy flavor to stand up to hot dogs. Simmer longer for a thicker chili.
Serve
Serve your homemade hot dog chili on top of grilled hot dogs in buns and top with your favorite fixings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, mustard, or coleslaw. Enjoy!
This recipe makes enough hot dog chili for 8-10 people. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. The chili can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.
Top Tips for Customizing Your Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Once you’ve mastered the basics you can tweak the recipe to create your own signature chili. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Add extra spices for heat
If you like your chili spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne and taste as you go, adding more spice to suit your tastes. You can also garnish each bowl with sliced jalapeños, diced onions and hot sauce.
Use beer instead of water
For a heartier, more robust flavor, use beer in place of some or all of the water. A medium-bodied ale works well and adds a subtle malty flavor. Reduce the amount of chili powder slightly, since the beer will intensify the flavor.
Add different beans
Black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans all work great in chili. Use a combination of beans or switch it up each time you make a batch. Ensure you rinse canned beans before adding to the pot.
Garnish it up
Once the chili is done, garnish it with your favorite toppings. Diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced scallions, avocado, cornbread croutons – the options are endless. Set out a variety of garnishes and let everyone customize their own perfect bowl of chili.
Make it meatless
For a vegetarian version, leave out the ground beef and use extra beans for protein. You can also add corn, zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for an even heartier meatless meal.
With a few simple tweaks, you can create your own signature homemade hot dog chili. Experiment with different spices, beans and garnishes until you find a combination you love. Your friends and family will thank you – this is one chili they’ll be begging you to make again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Dog Chili Recipe
How long will the chili last?
Homemade chili can last up to 1 week when properly refrigerated. For the best quality, enjoy your chili within 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or sausage are all great options for chili. For a heartier chili, you can also add diced stew meat, like chuck roast or brisket. Chopped bacon is another flavorful addition. Use whatever combination of meats you like. Just make sure the total amount of meat equals 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds.
What are the best beans to use?
Pinto, kidney, black beans, and chili beans are popular choices for chili. Black beans have an earthier flavor and can dominate the other flavors in the chili. Pinto or kidney beans tend to work the best. Avoid baked beans which are too sweet. For the creamiest chili, mash some of the beans right in the pot. This helps thicken the chili and gives it a heartier consistency.
Can I make it spicier?
To spice up your chili, add 1⁄2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chipotle peppers. Also add hot sauce, like Tabasco, to taste. For extra heat, include a seeded and minced jalapeño or habanero pepper. Add the spicy ingredients with the tomatoes and vegetables and simmer until the flavors blend in. You can always add more spice, so start with a little and taste as you go.
What toppings should I serve with the chili?
Classic chili toppings include: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, sour cream, cornbread, tortilla chips, diced onions, jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges, and cilantro. Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone top their bowl to their liking. The options are endless!
Conclusion
There you have it – my tried and true homemade chili recipe that’s perfect for hot dogs or any other topping you can think of. This flavorful, meaty chili with a bit of kick is super easy to make and cooks up in just about an hour. Next time you’re grilling up some dogs or making a batch of chili fries, give this recipe a try. You can even freeze leftovers in individual portions, so you always have some homemade chili ready to go. Trust me, once you make this chili from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again. Your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe. Enjoy!