Hot Dog Chili

Beef up your hotdogs with this hearty Hot Dog Chili that’ll blow your traditional BBQ toppings out of the water!

Pull up a chair at Grandma’s picnic table and dive in! This is an authentic recipe designed to bring back memories of classic hot dog shops and BBQs. The best part? It’s a quick and easy way to spice up a summertime meal with plenty of leftovers to spare (although you might still want to make extra, because your guests will likely come back for seconds!).

Another benefit of this recipe is that you can play with seasonings to make it sweeter or spicier, depending on your taste. You can even top it with fresh jalapeño peppers for a nice kick, or add cacao powder to give it a rich mole sauce kind of flavor. This dish is fun and flexible!

But what makes it so special, flavor-wise? Well, hot dog chili is sweeter and richer than regular chili, and so it makes a unique addition to any barbecue buffet. 

Is This Hot Dog Chili Healthy?

While at first glance this recipe doesn’t look the healthiest, the key is to use high-quality ingredients that make it not only delicious, but nutritious, too. For meat-eaters who will enjoy this classic as is, we recommend using lean ground beef and all-natural nitrate-free hot dogs. Additionally, getting produce like tomatoes or herbs from your local farmers’ market is the best way to ensure clean, chemical-free ingredients.

For non-meat eaters, we recommend using baked walnuts (chopped in a food processor) as a ground meat alternative that’s still rich in protein and vitamins. Just make sure to season them well with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and chili powder. You might also enjoy experimenting with your favorite meat-alternative brands to replace the meat in this recipe.

Lastly, if you want to dial in on a healthier version of this meal, you might consider using whole-grain rolls. There are also plenty of gluten-free options if you need to go the gluten-free route.

Getting Creative With Leftovers

The sauce will work well as a topping for all kinds of future dishes. Let your creative cooking heart run wild!

If you have a lot of leftover chili, try serving it over rice next time. Either regular rice or cauliflower rice will do, as both bring a fluffy texture to this soupy sauce, especially alongside additions like black beans and corn. This sauce also adds a nice, hearty touch to baked potatoes, chips, or fries.

If you’re feeling bold, you could also experiment with using this sauce as a filling for meat pie or squash bowls and bring a new level of “comfort” to this comfort food. With so many options, who wouldn’t want more leftovers?

Serving Suggestions

Since this dish is both sweet and spicy, it goes well with salty side dishes like Homemade Cheese Fries or Southern Potato Salad. If you’re craving a lighter side that brightens your meal with fresh flavors and colors, you might try this simple Mexican Coleslaw. Whichever pairing you pick, you can rest assured that your family will be full and feelin’ good!

Recipe