Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (2024)

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Summer is here and for us, that means we use the grill a lot. There’s just something about hamburgers and hot dogs in the middle of summer that is oh so perfect. While Carrigan loves her hot dog with ketchup and nothing more, I’m a fan of just a little extra something. Thishot dog chili recipe is so perfect for making your favorite chili dogs!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Wonder.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (1)

Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Hot dogs are one of Carrigan’s favorite food and her love for them means we’ve started eating them more often. Summer is the perfect time for hot dogs!

Justin mans the grill and weall enjoy the time we spend together in our backyard on warm summer evenings. But when it comes to hot dogs, I want chili cheese dogs every single time. Every single time.

We love to use Wonder Hot Dog and Hamburger buns for our summer meals. There’s just something about them that feels like summer. They’re just summer essentials and have to be part of our summer memories.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (2)

This summer Wonder has partnered with the United Services Organization (USO) to honor military men and women.The hot dog and hamburger packages feature stars, stripes, and camo in honor of our heroes!

Wonder is celebrating our nation’s heroes with the “Camo for the Cause” initiative. Wonder will be making a donation of $250,000 by its parent company (Flowers Bakeries, LLC) to support the USO and its efforts!

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (3)

The “Camo for a Cause” packaging is only available through the end of July, so be sure to pick up some Wonder Classic hot dog and hamburger buns for your next cookout, picnic and other get-togethers!

Then think about trying your hand at making your own hot dog chili!

For the longest time, I just bought hot dog chili at the store and used that to make chili dogs. But most things are better when you make it yourself and homemade hot dog chili is no different! It’s so versatile!

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (4)

If you didn’t know we’re huge fans of chili in our house! Carrigan also loves Instant Pot Chili Mac so I whip that up pretty often too! But there’s a difference between the chili I make for meals and for chili mac and the type of chili I make for our chili dog recipe.

The main difference is in the beans. In this hot dog chili recipe, there are no beans. Instead, you get a super simple ingredients list that turns into a tasty hot dog sauce you can actually use on hot dogs, hamburgers, frenchfries, and tater tots (it’s delicious over tatertots with some cheese)!

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (5)

Hot Dog Chili Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup minced onion
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

You’ll also need:

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 1 package Wonder Hot Dog Buns
  • Toppings as desired
    • Minced onions
    • Mustard
    • Corn chips
    • French friend onions

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (6)

How to Make Hot Dog Chili

The key to making really great hot dog sauce is getting your meat really smooth. You don’t want big chunks of ground beef in your chili dog sauce. By putting your meat in some water and then breaking it up until it’s smooth, it will brown up with the consistency that makes for great hot dog chili.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (7)

1. Place ground beef in a bowl and cover with water. Allow to sit for a few minutes and then use a spatula to break up the meat.

2. Add ground beef, water, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
3. Add in ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and stir well.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (8)

4. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and allow to simmer over low heat.

5. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the hot dog chili sauce is your desired consistency.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (9)

6. Cook or grill hot dogs and place each hot dog in a Wonder Hot Dog bun.

7. Serve the homemade hot dog chili over hot dogs and top with your favorite toppings.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (10)

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (11)

Printable Hot Dog Chili Sauce Recipe

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3.67 from 6 votes

Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Ingredients

For Hot Dog Chili Sauce

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Instructions

  • Place ground beef in a bowl and cover with water. Allow to sit for a few minutes and then use a spatula to break up the meat.

  • Add ground beef, water, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.

  • Add in ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and stir well.

  • Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and allow to simmer over low heat.

  • Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the hot dog chili sauce is your desired consistency.

  • Cook or grill hot dogs and place each hot dog in a Wonder Hot Dog bun.

  • Serve the homemade hot dog chili over hot dogs and top with your favorite toppings.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (13)

Remember to look for the exclusive Wonder and USO “Camo for a Cause” packaging through the end of July at your local grocery store. They’re great for making chili dogs! Actually, I think they might be some of the best hot dog buns for making chili dogs! My family agrees!

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (14)

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Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe That's So Versatile! • The Simple Parent (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What kind of chili is best for chili dogs? ›

A smoother chili sauce with fine “grains” of ground beef / beef mince, rather than chunks like bolognese or chili con carne, works best for chili dogs. It's the Ben's Chili Bowl way! I've always wanted to replicate the Ben's chili sauce.

What's the difference between hot dog chili and regular chili? ›

What's the difference between hot dog chili and regular chili? Hot dog chili is much thicker than soup chili. It also usually doesn't contain beans. The meat in hot dog chili is also very finely ground whereas in soup chili, it is chunkier.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What is the magic ingredient for chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long.

What's the difference between hot dog sauce and hot dog chili? ›

The blogger also defines hot dog sauce as just a little thinner than hot dog chili. Another cooking blog, Gonna Want Seconds, however, defines hot dog chili as slightly thinner than regular chili. The blogger also calls hot dog chili “slightly sweeter,” pointing out it also does not include beans as an ingredient.

What is hot dog chili sauce made of? ›

Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat until beef is cooked and chili thickens, about 20 minutes.

What is a coney dog vs chili dog? ›

A chili dog is usually any type of hot dog in a bun topped with chili that has beans in it. A coney dog is specifically a beef frankfurter topped with an all-meat sauce made with a number of spices and no beans!

What is a coney dog vs hot dog? ›

A Coney dog is a beef frankfurter in natural casing, nestled in a soft, steamed bun. Its topping of an all meat, beanless chili, diced white onions, and yellow mustard distinguishes it from the ordinary hot dog.

What is a hot dog with chili called? ›

A chili dog is a hot dog served in a bun and topped with a meat sauce, such as chili con carne. Additional toppings may include cheese, onions, and mustard.

What is in a Chicago dog? ›

A proper Chicago dog is an all-beef frankfurter (such as Vienna Beef) in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, neon-green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onion, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers and celery salt.

What is the most flavorful way to cook hot dogs? ›

For the best flavor and texture, Shannon says to opt for the grill, stovetop or campfire. These methods help to caramelize the outside of the sausage and give it great texture and color. If you want to know how to cook hot dogs the easiest way, Shannon recommends the oven, air fryer or slow cooker.

What brings out the flavor in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The real key to great chili however is brown sugar! In fact, brown sugar is what gives the chili a subtle sweetness you never even knew you were missing. With both subtly sweet tones and punches of heat, this Sweet and Spicy Chili, lives up to it's name, it truly is sweet and sassy!

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