Easy Hot Dog Chili
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If you love hot dogs, you have to try my Easy Hot Dog Chili which comes together in a flash. It's great on hotdogs, nachos, loaded fries, and even hamburgers!
Why This Recipe is Special
As far back as I can remember, folks have been asking for my hot dog chili recipe. The first person who ever asked for it was my mother-in-law. She loved my chili more than anything and begged me to bring it to every family picnic.
When July the 4th or Labor Day rolls around, I whip up Easy Hot Dog Chili in less than 20 minutes and have it waiting on the dogs to grill. I always think of Mareta and wish she was here to take a big bite!
Does Hot Dog Chili Have Beans In It?
No way! In true southern tradition, this recipe is made without beans of any shape or kind. It's a condiment (or sauce) more than it is a meal.
This recipe is sweeter than the type you eat in a bowl like Campfire Chili. Folks around here are so crazy about chili, they even eat it on a Carolina Burger with mustard, slaw, and onions. Man, is that ever good!
Ingredients You'll Need
- ground chuck or turkey
- chili seasoning mix
- water
- ketchup
- onion
- sugar
- hot sauce or worchestershire
- salt & pepper
How to Make Hot Dog Chili
Brown ground beef or turkey in a skillet. Drain grease. Add chili seasoning and water. Stir and simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Use a large fork to break up any big chunks of meat. It should be as fine as possible.
Fold in ketchup, onion and sugar. Stir well and cook for 10 minutes over medium low heat until meat is tender.
Sprinkle in a dash of hot sauce or worchestershire (your choice). Stir well, then add salt and pepper to taste.
What Goes Well with Hot Dog Chili?
The best part about this chili is it's so versatile. Besides hot dogs, it tastes great on nachos and loaded french fries. I've also served it on top of baked potatoes topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mmm.
It's the perfect side to bring to a tailgate party, backyard cookout, or football game. Serve it alongside my Creamy Southern Coleslaw for a special treat.
Why not dream up a gourmet hot dog bar and provide lots of toppings for guests to make their own chili dogs? Try these great hot dog bar ideas from my friend, Anecia, at Smarty Pants Kitchen.
More Picnic Sides to Love
Try these delicious sides that go perfectly with hot dogs at your next cookout or picnic!
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Red Skin Potato Salad
- Stovetop Mac & Cheese
- Bowtie Greek Pasta
- Calico Baked Beans
Recipe Card
Easy Hot Dog Chili
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck or turkey
- 1 envelope chili seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- dash of hot sauce or worchestershire
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck or turkey in a skillet. Drain grease.
- Add chili seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Use a fork to break up any large chunks of meat. It should be as fine as possible.
- Add ketchup, onion and sugar. Stir well and cook for 10 minutes over medium low heat until meat is tender.
- Sprinkle in a dash of hot sauce or worchestershire (your choice).
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Store leftover chili in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze hot dog chili for up to 6 months.
- Get the Creamy Coleslaw Recipe here.
- View the Google Web Story for this recipe!
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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Being single I'm always looking for a good recipe for my favorite dishes. I've tried about 4 hot dog chili recipes & now I have officially adopted your recipe for Easy Hot Dog Chili as my go to recipe. Also, a tip I will share for storing leftover hot dog chili in the freezer: I usually eat 2 hot dogs & the leftover I spread evenly in a dish used for making brownies or casseroles/ then place it in freezer until it hardens ( 2 or 3 hours ) / then slice into squares which are about 2 hot dog servings of chili/wrap each square in wax paper & store in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Even though I haven't been a success at making biscuits in the past I am excited about trying your Cathead Biscuits recipe because they look & sound yummy ! Thanks Debi !
Hi Steve! What a great review! Thanks so much for sharing your tips about freezing hot dog chili! I'm going to try that for sure! Let me know how you like those biscuits if you make them! They're a favorite of mine.
My entire Fathers Day party loved this chili. Have shared with others and will make again and again
That's great news Cindy! 🙂
I love this recipe. It's so delicious, this is the second time I've made and my family loves it.
Thank you Janet! I'm so glad you love my hot dog chili! 🙂
I've made this several times it's so good!
Thanks Sean! So glad you love my hot dog chili!
Damn good
Awesome! So glad you loved my hot dog chili recipe!
This was delicious! Best hot dog chili recipe I have tried. Quick and easy.
Thank you Robin! So glad you liked the chili and stopped by to let me know!
I made your chili and my family loved it. Thanks for the recipe.
That's awesome to hear Margie! So glad your family loved it! 🙂
Hey Debi,
This looks delicious. Mama’s chili seems to be similar and I wish I had written it down when she could remember the recipe. I will definitely be trying this. Thanks, Lori
Thanks, Lori! I hope you like it! 🙂
Wow! Just made this after today’s FB post. We love it! It will be a keeper.
Yay! I"m glad you liked it, Carol! 🙂
Perfect! This is how my mom makes it. Tastes good as a topping on hamburgers, too!
Thanks, Tammie! My favorite Carolina burger has chili on top...with mustard, onions and slaw. I love this chili on just about everything! 🙂
Can’t wait to try this one! Where do you buy the Stonemill chili mix? Thanks!
Hey LeeAnne! I shop at Aldi, and this is one of their products. In fact, I get all of my spices there now. But, you can use any brand if that's not convenient for you. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
My mama, Mareta, did indeed love Debi’s chili. It is so savory and a little sweet. Perfect. Thanks Debi!
I sure do miss Mareta! She taught me so much in the kitchen. 🙂
Now that's hot dog chili! Those pictures make your mouth water! Thanks Debi
I know! It makes me want to make them all over again! 🙂