Chili Dog
A juicy grilled frankfurter nestled in a soft bun, generously topped with a rich, meaty beef chili and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar. An iconic American comfort food that comes together quickly for a casual backyard meal or game day feast.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Soften the aromatics for the chili.
1.Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.2.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.3.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - other · ~7 min
Brown the ground beef.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
TIPLet the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before breaking it up to get better browning. - simmer · ~16 min
Build and simmer the chili sauce.
1.Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.2.Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.3.Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.4.Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the chili thickens.TIPThe chili should be thick enough to sit on the dog without making the bun soggy. - grill · ~6 min
Grill the frankfurters.
While the chili simmers, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the frankfurters on the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have deep char marks.
TIPA natural casing frankfurter will give you that satisfying snap when you bite into it. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the chili dogs.
1.Place the buns on a plate and nestle a grilled frankfurter into each one.2.Spoon a generous amount of the hot chili over each dog.3.Shower the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili while it's still steaming hot, so it melts slightly. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the chili dogs hot with extra napkins and your favorite toppings on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best snap, use natural-casing beef frankfurters and grill until the casing is slightly charred.
- 2Let the ground beef brown undisturbed for a minute before stirring to develop deeper flavor.
- 3Bloom the chili powder and cumin in the tomato paste for a full minute to maximize their aroma.
- 4Simmer the chili until it’s thick enough to mound on the dog — a runny chili will make the bun soggy.
- 5Shred the cheddar from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese; it melts more smoothly.
- 6Warm the buns on the grill for 30 seconds after the franks are done for a toasty finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Turkey chili dog
Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey and use turkey frankfurters for a lighter take that still delivers chili-dog satisfaction.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the beef frankfurters with plant-based sausages and use a plant-based ground meat substitute or finely chopped mushrooms in the chili for a meatless version.
spicySpicy
Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili, and top with sliced pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
loaded chili cheese dogLoaded chili cheese dog
Top the finished chili dog with diced white onion, sliced pickled jalapeños, and a drizzle of yellow mustard for a fully-loaded experience.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Meal
The combination of beef frankfurter and ground beef in the chili provides a substantial amount of protein to support muscle maintenance and satiety.
Iron from Beef
Both the frankfurter and ground beef are sources of heme iron, which is easily absorbed and helps support healthy blood oxygen transport.
Antioxidants from Spices
Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika contain antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the chili up to 3 days in advance. Cool it completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently before assembling the dogs.
