Description
Chili cheese dogs bring a hearty American classic to your plate, combining juicy frankfurters with zesty homemade chili and melted cheese. Comfort meets flavor in this simple yet irresistible dish that satisfies your craving for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 4 beef or pork hot dogs
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 4 hot dog buns
Instructions
- Craft a robust chili foundation by sizzling ground beef in a spacious skillet, crumbling the meat into delicate fragments until richly browned.
- Introduce aromatic onions and garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
- Incorporate chili beans, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, blending the mixture with a harmonious medley of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a whisper of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Allow the chili to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity, stirring periodically until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.
- Simultaneously prepare hot dogs through your preferred method – grilling for smoky char, pan-frying for crisp edges, or boiling for classic texture.
- Warm hot dog buns to enhance their softness and create a welcoming vessel for the hearty chili.
- Nestle each cooked hot dog into its toasted bun, lavishly coating with the richly spiced chili mixture.
- Cascade a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual warmth.
- Optionally garnish with fresh green onions or a dollop of cool sour cream to introduce bright, complementary flavors.
- Serve immediately, presenting these indulgent chili cheese dogs alongside crisp french fries or a light, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Customize the chili’s heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild/hot chili beans to suit different spice tolerances.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the classic chili cheese dog.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked salt to the chili for deeper, more robust taste profiles.
- Prevent soggy buns by warming them briefly and draining excess chili liquid before assembling the dogs, ensuring a crisp and enjoyable texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg