Go Back
+ servings
Hot dog chili in a crock pot.
Print

Hot Dog Chili Recipe

When you're craving Chili Dogs, make this easy Hot Dog Chili recipe. Make it on the stovetop, in your slow cooker, even in an instant pot, then spoon it on top of hot dogs for the ultimate tailgate or game day recipe.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 8 servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories 180kcal

Ingredients

For the chili seasoning:

For the chili:

To serve:

Instructions

  • To make the homemade chili seasoning, in a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, oregano, chipotle chili powder (if using), thyme, coriander, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
  • In a Dutch oven or stock pot, heat oil in over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, bell pepper, and chili seasoning. Cook until vegetables have softened, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef and cook, breaking up the clumps with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Remove lid and continue to simmer until the chili has thickened, about 1 hour longer (if chili sticks to the bottom of the pot, stir in ½ cup water and continue to simmer).
  • Remove bay leaf and season to taste with salt and pepper. To make Chili Dogs, serve over hot dogs in buns and top with shredded cheese and minced red onion or your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

  1. Chipotle chili powder: Chipotle chili powder is spicy! If you’re unsure, start with 1/2 teaspoon (or less) until the chili is fully cooked. Then, taste and add more at the end. You can also substitute 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
  2. Canned tomatoes: I love the flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles, but you can substitute regular canned tomatoes and add 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies. Ro*tel tomatoes work, too.
  3. Yield: This recipe makes 4 cups of chili, enough to top 8 hot dogs with 1/2 cup chili each (or enough for 16 hot dogs if everybody uses 1/4 cup).
  4. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 979IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg