The Absolute Best Chili Dogs for Your Backyard BBQ
A super-shortcut chili makes these dogs a party hit.
Serves8
Prep25 minutes
Cook30 minutes
The only thing that can make a snappy hot dog on a toasted bun better is a thick layer of savory chili, some sharp cheddar cheese, and onions. If you haven’t discovered the absolute pleasure of serving chili dogs at a backyard get-together yet, let me introduce you.
Chili dogs have become synonymous with amusement parks and college dining halls. But really, they’re an ingenious meal for feeding a hungry crowd or family — and they’re more delicious than you might remember. Here, we’re sharing a recipe for a shortcut chili made with just a pound a beef and a few pantry staples that will cover hot dogs aplenty.
The Best Chili for Chili Dogs
Depending on where you’re from, you might be partial to a very specific chili for chili dogs — I’m thinking specifically of Texas chili and Skyline chili out of Cincinnati. Personally, my main objective for homemade chili is to keep it simple: one pan and just a few ingredients. I’m also a firm believer that the chili should be beef only — no beans or vegetables. This one is a classic combination of beef, spices, and tomato sauce with a bit of ketchup and Dijon mustard, which compliment all-beef hot dogs perfectly.
You can grill, sauté, or boil your hot dogs for chili dogs, but do not skip toasting the bun — it keeps the chili from softening the bun too quickly. Personally, I’m a stickler for sharp cheddar cheese and diced red onions on my chili dog, but my husband usually asks for some relish too. If you’re feeding a crowd, ask your friends to bring toppings, and hope that someone has the brilliance to bring Fritos!
Easy Chili Dogs
A super-shortcut chili makes these dogs a party hit.
Prep time 25 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Serves 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon
olive oil
- 1 pound
lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon
onion powder
- 1 teaspoon
garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
chili powder
- 1 (15-ounce) can
tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup
ketchup
- 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
- 8
all-beef hot dogs
- 8
hot dog buns
Optional for topping: grated sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and chili powder and cook until the beef is browned, mashing and breaking up any large pieces, about 8 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes to let the flavors meld. Meanwhile, grill the hot dogs.
Heat an outdoor grill to for direct, medium-high heat. Scrape the grill grates clean as needed. Place the hot dogs on the grill and grill until well-marked and heated through, about 2 minutes per side. Turn the heat off and gently toast the buns on the still-warm grill, about 2 minutes.
To serve, place a hot dog in each bun and top with the chili, cheddar cheese, and red onions, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.