Deliciously Easy Chili Cheese Dog
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Tell me, what is better than sinking your teeth into a chili dog?! If you’re craving a chili dog that’s a breeze to make and even better to eat, you’re in the right place. Whether you want a quick dinner, a crowd-pleaser, or just a fun bite with family, I’ll show you how to make the simplest, most satisfying, and delicious chili dog. Let’s do this!
A chili dog might just be the best hot dog there is—and it fits right in with all your favorite summer-ready recipes. I make mine with a simple, bean-free chili piled high on a juicy hot dog, then finish it with shredded cheddar that melts right into the chili and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s messy, indulgent, and completely irresistible—so yes, grab a few napkins before you dig in.
Chili cheese dogs are also one of my favorite ways to use up leftover chili (perhaps from one of the dozens of chili recipes I have). If there’s a container hanging out in the fridge, you can have chili dogs on the table in just minutes. Fast, nostalgic, and wildly satisfying—exactly how a loaded chili dog should be.
To elevate this recipe, use my ground beef chili. Or to lighten it up, my turkey chili is a great option.
What to serve with chili dogs
Chili dogs are a fun and easy dinner all by themselves, but I’m a sucker for classic creamy potato salad with mayo on the side. I also like to add some veggies to help round out the meal. The three I serve the most often are:
Topping ideas
There is no reason to hold back on the toppings here. These dogs are deliciously messy, so go ahead and overload your bun!
- Make it a chili cheese dog with a generous pile of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Onions: minced red onion, chives, or green onion all work well.
- Crispy bacon.
- Pickled jalapeños or banana peppers.
Deliciously Easy Chili Cheese Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (or more if you like it spicy)
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes are great in this recipe!)
- 1 teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- 8 hot dogs or smokies
- 8 brioche hot dog buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (to serve)
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a small pot over medium heat. Let it cook until you see some fat in the pan then add the onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.1 lb lean ground beef, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic
- Add the honey and chili powder to the pot and stir well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the honey then add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let the chili simmer on low heat while you prepare the dogs and buns.1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 14 ounce can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon EACH: sea salt and pepper
- Cook the hot dogs and warm the buns over a fire, on a grill, or in a pan on your stove. When they’re ready, put a hot dog in each bun and top with ¼ cup of the chili, 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar, and some green onions. (See notes)8 hot dogs or smokies, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, Chopped green onions, 8 brioche hot dog buns
Notes
Nutrition
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Thank you for sharing this recipe
You’re very welcome!
Made 1/2 recipe and only used 1 tsp honey – left the rest of the recipe as written- Was DELICIOUS. I will NEVER buy canned “hot dog chili” ever again.
I had a craving for something summery so made these and just cooked the hot dogs in a pan. They were really good! Even the chili had great flavor. Thanks for letting me pretend it was summer!