Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it's perfect for parties where you want to keep the chili warm for serving.

Why is my chili too watery?

If your chili seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a quick fix, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering chili until it reaches your desired thickness.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions, use hot Rotel instead of original, add a dash of cayenne pepper, or serve with hot sauce on the side. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference.

Is hot dog chili different from regular chili?

Yes! Traditional hot dog chili typically has a finer texture and slightly sweeter flavor than regular chili. It's usually less chunky and designed to stay on the hot dog rather than slide off. Our recipe gives you that authentic hot dog chili consistency while still being versatile enough to enjoy in various ways.

The Best Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Name: The Best Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 ½ pounds ground beef, or ground turkey; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 (8 oz) can tomato paste; 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel, do not drain; 1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, optional; 1 ½ cups beef broth

This game-changing hot dog chili recipe transforms ordinary hot dogs into crave-worthy comfort food with minimal effort. Rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned, this homemade chili comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers that classic chili dog experience you remember from ballparks and family cookouts but so much better! Perfect for backyard barbecues, tailgating parties, or quick weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile: Not just for hot dogs! Use this chili on fries, nachos, baked potatoes, or enjoy it straight from a bowl with your favorite toppings.
Crowd-Pleaser: The balanced flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making this perfect for family dinners and parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors actually improve with time, making this ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our chili, providing hearty texture and rich flavor. Turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative.
Onion: Adds essential aromatics and natural sweetness as it cooks down with the meat.
Garlic: Provides that irreplaceable depth of flavor that makes homemade chili superior to store-bought versions.
Chili Powder: The signature spice that gives this dish its distinctive flavor profile without overwhelming heat.
Brown Sugar: Just a tablespoon balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates depth of flavor.
Cumin: Adds that earthy, warm complexity that’s essential for authentic chili flavor.
Dried Oregano: Contributes a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices perfectly.
Tomato Paste: Creates a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
Rotel: These canned tomatoes with green chilies add perfect texture and a hint of heat without any extra work.
Kidney Beans: Optional but add great texture, fiber, and protein. Feel free to omit for more traditional hot dog chili.
Beef Broth: Adds richness while creating the perfect consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Regional Twists

Cincinnati Style: Add a pinch of cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder for that distinctive Cincinnati flavor.
Texas Style: Skip the beans, double the meat, and add a diced jalapeño for authentic Texas-style chili.
Smoky Version: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and use fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes for a delicious smoky twist.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternative or an extra can of beans plus chopped mushrooms for meaty texture.
Lower Carb: Skip the beans and brown sugar, and serve over cauliflower instead of buns for a keto-friendly option.

How to Make the Best Hot Dog Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well and cook for about a minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This quick step makes a huge difference in the final taste!

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste until well incorporated with the meat mixture. Add undrained Rotel, kidney beans (if using), and beef broth. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it cooks, creating that perfect consistency for topping hot dogs. If you have time, let it simmer longer—the flavors only get better!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili over grilled or steamed hot dogs in buns. Or serve it however you like—over fries, on nachos, or in a bowl topped with cheese and onions!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Meat Matters: Don’t drain the fat after browning the meat—it adds tremendous flavor to your chili.
Bloom Those Spices: Cooking the spices for a minute before adding liquids awakens their flavors and eliminates any raw taste.
Texture Control: For a finer texture (traditional for hot dog chili), break the meat into very small pieces while cooking or pulse it briefly in a food processor before cooking.
Taste and Adjust: Chili flavors develop as they cook. Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings if needed a splash of Worcestershire sauce can add amazing depth.

How to Serve

Classic Chili Dog Setup

Serve on grilled or steamed hot dogs in soft buns, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a squirt of mustard for the ultimate chili dog experience.

Beyond Hot Dogs

Chili Cheese Fries: Pour over crispy french fries, top with cheese, and broil until melted.
Nacho Topping: Spoon over tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
Baked Potato Bar: Set up a baked potato bar with this chili as the star topping.
Bowl Style: Serve in bowls topped with cheese, onions, sour cream, and corn chips for a quick meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, making this perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: freeze flat in bags for quick thawing and efficient freezer storage.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if needed to reach desired consistency. For smaller portions, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s perfect for parties where you want to keep the chili warm for serving.
Why is my chili too watery?

If your chili seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a quick fix, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering chili until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I make this chili spicier?

Definitely! Add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions, use hot Rotel instead of original, add a dash of cayenne pepper, or serve with hot sauce on the side. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference.
Is hot dog chili different from regular chili?

Yes! Traditional hot dog chili typically has a finer texture and slightly sweeter flavor than regular chili. It’s usually less chunky and designed to stay on the hot dog rather than slide off. Our recipe gives you that authentic hot dog chili consistency while still being versatile enough to enjoy in various ways.

Final Thoughts

This hot dog chili recipe brings back the simple joy of a perfectly dressed hot dog—the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Whether it’s for game day, a summer cookout, or just because you deserve something delicious tonight, this chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Make a batch and rediscover why some comfort foods never go out of style!