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 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.

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 most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. 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 is hot dog chili sauce made of? ›

Hot Dog Chili Ingredients

Tomato products: You'll need tomato sauce and ketchup for the best flavor. Seasonings: The hot dog chili is seasoned with chili powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Worcestershire sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce takes the flavor up a notch.

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

What is the difference between traditional chili and hot dog chili? Hot dog chili has a sweeter taste and is made with ketchup. Traditional chili tends to have a spicier flavor and chunkier texture.

What is the difference between hot dog sauce and hot dog chili? ›

What Is The Difference Between Hot Dog Sauce And Chili? Hot dog chili is often referred to as hot dog sauce or hot dog chili sauce. It has a thinner consistency than classic chili so it can easily be ladled over hot dogs. Hot dog chili is slightly sweeter and also doesn't generally have beans in it.

Is Coney sauce the same as chili sauce? ›

Coney is more of a condiment than it is a dish. Chili is thick, filling, and can stand as a main on its own; it's spoonable. Coney sauce is traditionally very thin: You should be able to drizzle it on the hot dog, and if spooned on a plate, it will spread everywhere.

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 Coney sauce made of? ›

In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute the ground beef and onion for 5 to 10 minutes, or until meat is well browned. Crumble meat to a fine texture with a fork, if necessary; drain excess fat. Stir in the mustard, vinegar, sugar, water, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, hot pepper sauce and ketchup.

How does Nathan's cook their hotdogs? ›

Nathan's method is to slow-cook them, starting on low heat and upping the temperature until they're cooked through, about 40 minutes later.

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

On the Grill

Grilling gives your hot dog that smoky, summer flavor you just can't get any other way. Plus, no pots and pans to clean!

How can I make my chili more exciting? ›

Add a secret ingredient or two

Some people swear that a shot of bourbon adds the perfect level of heat, while others use coffee, cinnamon or chocolate to add an extra depth of flavor. Sometimes, all you need is an acidic ingredient (like lime juice or vinegar) at the end to bring the flavors together.

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 brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

According to the magazine's food experimenters, the baking soda treatment will definitely keep the meat tender and juicy when cooked.

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