Take your hot dogs to the next level with a rich, savory chili simmered down in tomato sauce. Spoon it generously over the dogs for a burst of bold flavor and hearty texture, then top it all off with melty shredded cheese for the ultimate bite. These easy homemade chili cheese dogs are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs
Loaded with flavor: Juicy hot dogs are topped with rich chili and melty cheese.
Easy to customize: Add diced onions, jalapeños, pickles, sour cream, or extra cheese to make them exactly how you like them.
Great for a crowd: Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own chili cheese dog. They are an easy option for parties and game-day gatherings.
Chili Cheese Dogs Origin
There are competing claims, but the general consensus is that chili cheese dogs emerged during the early 20th century in the USA, as immigrants adapted hot dogs to their own tastes and preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 whole onion, diced
- Adds natural sweetness to the chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- Meaty base for the chili
- 1½ tsp paprika
- Adds subtle smokiness
- 1½ tsp salt
- Enhance flavor
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Adds savory flavor
- 1 tsp cumin
- Gives warm, earthy flavor
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- Adds a spicy kick
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Adds concentrated tomato flavor
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Creates a saucy base
- ½ cup beef broth
- Adds more beefy flavor as the sauce cooks down
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Adds rich and umami flavor
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
For the Hot Dogs
- Hot dogs
- Base for the chili cheese dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Vessel for all the hot dog ingredients
- Shredded cheeses
- Adds cheesiness
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste and spices are well incorporated.
Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.
While the chili is simmering, cook the hot dogs using your preferred method.
Lightly toast the hot dog buns until warm and golden.
Place each cooked hot dog inside a toasted bun. Spoon the homemade chili generously over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Place the assembled chili cheese dogs on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Easy Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs Tips
Toast the buns to help prevent them from becoming soggy.
Make sure the chili is thick enough. Thicker chili stays on the hot dogs better.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store hot dogs and chili separately in an airtight container. Store the chili and cooked hot dogs for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Store chili in an airtight container or freeze-friendly bag for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Substitution
Beef hot dogs → Turkey or chicken hot dogs
Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack
Ground beef → Ground turkey or ground chicken
Tomato sauce → Crushed tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep chili cheese dogs from getting soggy?
Toast the buns before assembling and make sure your chili is thick rather than watery. Assemble them right before serving for the best texture.
What cheese is best for chili cheese dogs?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack are also delicious and melt well.
What to Serve With Chili Cheese Dogs
French fries: A classic pairing
Tater tots: Crispy tater tots are perfect for dipping into any leftover chili and cheese.
Potato salad: A creamy potato salad makes a great BBQ-style side.
Corn on the cob: Sweet, buttery corn pairs nicely with the savory chili.
Onion rings: Crispy onion rings make a fun side for game day.
Easy Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs
Ingredients
- For the Chili
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 whole onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- For the Hot Dogs
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste and spices are well incorporated.
- Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens. If it becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.
- While the chili is simmering, cook the hot dogs using your preferred method.
- Lightly toast the hot dog buns until warm and golden.
- Place each cooked hot dog inside a toasted bun. Spoon the homemade chili generously over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Place the assembled chili cheese dogs on a baking sheet and broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
If you enjoyed this chili cheese dog recipe, you might also like my Seattle dog recipe or my kimchi philly cheese steak recipe.
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