Chili Dogs

Chili dogs are a mouthwatering treat that combines the joy of hot dogs with a rich, flavorful chili sauce. This dish is not just a food item; it’s an experience that brings together friends and family, making it perfect for barbecues, game days, or casual gatherings. With a perfect balance of savory chili and juicy sausage nestled in soft buns, chili dogs are a comfort food that’s hard to resist.

Why Make This Recipe

Making chili dogs at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a personal touch. You can customize the level of spice, choose high-quality meats, and even add your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd! Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner or a host preparing for a big party, chili dogs can cater to everyone’s taste buds and leave them craving more.

How to Make Chili Dogs

Ingredients

3 tsp smoked paprika (sub plain paprika)
3 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1/2 onion (finely chopped)
1/2 red capsicum / bell pepper (finely chopped)
500 g / 1 lb ground beef / beef mince
1 tbsp tomato paste
400 g / 14 oz canned crushed tomato
2 beef cubes (I like Oxo, easy to crumble)
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt (plus more to taste)
6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke or hot dogs of choice)
6 hot dog buns
1/2 white onion (finely chopped)
Yellow mustard (I use Heinz American mustard)
2 cups Colby or Monterey Jack (shredded or other cheese of choice)
Plain crinkle cut potato chips (optional side for serving, traditional!)

Directions

Chili Sauce:
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil over medium-high in a heavy-based pot. Cook the onion, garlic, and capsicum for 3 minutes.
- Brown beef: Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you no longer see raw meat. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
- Sauce: Add the spices, tomato, water, crumbled beef cube, and salt. Stir well.
- Slow cook 3 hours: Bring the chili to a simmer, then turn down to low. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for three hours.
- Thicken sauce: Remove some of the chili to blend until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
- Optional rest overnight: Refrigerate overnight for improved flavor.
Chili Dogs:
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grill/pan-fry: Preheat a pan with 1/2 tbsp oil. Brown the sausages until heated through.
- Assemble: Place hot dog buns on a tray, fill with sausages, add mustard, chopped onions, chili sauce, and top with cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve hot!

How to Serve Chili Dogs

Serve chili dogs warm right after baking. Traditionally, they pair wonderfully with plain crinkle-cut potato chips and an ice-cold beer. You can also add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado for added flavor.

How to Store Chili Dogs

If you have leftovers, store the chili sauce separately from the hot dogs. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate. They can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, microwave the chili sauce until warm and serve it over warmed sausages in fresh buns.

Tips to Make Chili Dogs

Use high-quality sausages: The better the sausage, the tastier your chili dog will be.
Adjust spice level: Feel free to change the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
Let it simmer longer: The longer you cook the chili sauce, the better the flavor develops.

Variations

You can switch ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute. You can also customize the toppings according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausages?
- Yes! Feel free to experiment with any type of sausage you like, including chicken or plant-based options.
Can I freeze chili dogs?
- Yes! You can freeze the chili sauce and sausages separately. Just ensure they are well-sealed.
How spicy are chili dogs?
- The spiciness depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you use. Modify it based on your preference.