Jeff's Hot Dog Chili

4.7
(455)

This hot dog chili recipe took me many years to get just right! It reminds me of the chili I had as a kid.

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A tray with four hot dogs, topped with Jeff's hot dog chili and chopped onions, with a bowl of extra hot dog chili
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52
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
6

Chili dogs, anyone? This easy homemade hot dog chili recipe is so much better than the canned stuff. 

How to Make Hot Dog Chili

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the hot dog chili recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Hot Dog Chili vs. Regular Chili

Hot dog chili tends to be slightly sweeter than regular chili that you’d eat from a bowl. Also, it’s usually made with ketchup.

Hot Dog Chili Ingredients

These are the budget-friendly ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade hot dog chili recipe (you may even have most of them on hand):

  • Beef: This hot dog chili recipe starts with one pound of ground beef. 
  • Water: Cook the ground beef with ⅓ cup of water. 
  • 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. 
  • Sugar: A pinch of sugar lends subtle sweetness. 

Tip from orion3: You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Just add a little oil to the saucepan before cooking.

How to Make Homemade Hot Dog Chili

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this hot dog chili recipe: 

  1. Cook the beef in water. 
  2. Stir in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer until the beef is cooked and the chili is thick.

How to Make Hot Dogs

Now that you have your homemade hot dog chili, all you need is a hot dog! Check out our How to Cook Hot Dogs 8 Different Ways guide to learn how to make hot dogs on the grill, on the stove (by boiling or  pan-frying), in the microwave, in the oven, in the slow cooker, in the air fryer, and in the Instant Pot. 

How to Store Hot Dog Chili?

Store your leftover hot dog chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stove, or in the slow cooker. 

Can You Freeze Hot Dog Chili?

Yes, you can freeze hot dog chili for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating thoroughly. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This recipe reminded me of eating hot dogs with chili at the baseball field growing up,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “I can’t have hot dogs now without making this delicious simple recipe to go on top. My buddies have all raved about it and love it!

“Have been making this for several years,” says Chris Hopkins. “If you like your chili a bit on the sweet side (as I do), this is the recipe for you, I add a half teaspoon of garlic salt. Always awesome on a dog with a cold beer!”

“Best hot dog chili I’ve ever had. Ever,” raves macinnis_family. “The only thing I changed was I added a little chopped onion. Will be the only chili recipe I ever use.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • cup water

  • 5 ounces tomato sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup

  • 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon white sugar, or to taste

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make Jeff's hot dog chili

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place ground beef and water in a large saucepan; use a potato masher to break apart beef.

    A pan with water and ground beef being mashed by a potato masher

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

    A pan with ground beef and water, topped with tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat until beef is cooked and chili thickens, about 20 minutes.

    A pot of hot dog chili, being stirred with a wooden spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Serve over hot dogs and enjoy!

    A tray with four hot dogs, topped with Jeff's hot dog chili and chopped onions, with a bowl of extra hot dog chili

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

802 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

168 Calories
9g Fat
8g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 168
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 595mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 14g 27%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 332mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.