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Chili Cheese Dogs

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 Chili Cheese Dogs
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dogs
  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
  • Diced onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Mustard
  • Relish
  • Green onions

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Brown the Beef
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into very small crumbles as it cooks. Smaller pieces create the classic chili dog texture and help the chili stay on the hot dog.
    Cook for about 6–8 minutes.
    Drain excess grease if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Add Onion, Garlic, and Seasonings
    Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet.
    Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
    Stir in:
    Chili powder
    Smoked paprika
    Ground cumin
    Garlic powder
    Onion powder
    Cook for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to release their flavor.
  3. Step 3: Build the Chili Sauce
    Add:
    Tomato paste
    Tomato sauce
    Beef broth
    Yellow mustard
    Worcestershire sauce
    Stir thoroughly.
    Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
    Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    The chili should become thick and spoonable. If it still looks watery, continue simmering until it reduces further.
  4. Step 4: Cook the Hot Dogs
    While the chili simmers, cook the hot dogs using your preferred method.
    Stovetop Method
    Cook over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned.
    Grill Method
    Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until heated through and lightly charred.
    Air Fryer Method
    Cook at 375°F for 4–6 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Toast the Buns
    Lightly toast the buns in a skillet, oven, or on the grill for 1–2 minutes.
    This simple step helps prevent sogginess and adds texture.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs
    Place a hot dog inside each toasted bun.
    Spoon a generous amount of chili over the hot dogs.
    Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
    For extra melty cheese, place the assembled hot dogs under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
    Finish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.