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Easy Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs

These easy homemade chili cheese dogs are the ultimate comfort food! Juicy hot dogs are tucked into toasted buns, topped with a rich, flavorful homemade beef chili, and finished with plenty of melted shredded cheese. They are quick, hearty, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game day, or backyard cookout
Print Recipe

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!