Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these loaded chili cheese hot dogs! Juicy hot dogs nestled in soft buns, smothered in rich, savory chili and topped with gooey melted cheese, these are a crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues, game days, or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready for a satisfying bite full of bold flavors!
Key Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Number of Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 hot dog per person
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
Ingredients List
For the Hot Dogs:
- 4 large beef hot dogs
- 4 hot dog buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
For the Chili:
- 250g (1/2 lb) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
Prepare the Chili:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the chili simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set aside and keep warm.
Cook the Hot Dogs:
- While the chili is simmering, cook the hot dogs. You can either grill them, pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat, or boil them in water for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- If grilling, cook the hot dogs over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly charred.
Toast the Buns:
- Lightly butter the inside of each hot dog bun. Toast them in a skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Assemble the Hot Dogs:
- Place a hot dog inside each toasted bun.
- Generously spoon the homemade chili over the hot dogs.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili. For a meltier result, you can place the assembled hot dogs under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, top with diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success
- Make the Chili Ahead: Prepare the chili a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen. It also saves you time when assembling the hot dogs.
- Choose the Right Hot Dogs: Opt for all-beef hot dogs for a more flavorful and hearty bite. You can also experiment with sausage or bratwurst for a twist.
- Melt the Cheese: For gooier cheese, pop the assembled hot dogs under the broiler for just a minute or two. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, add some crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top.
- Customize Your Heat: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of cayenne in the chili or add hot sauce and jalapeños as toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use canned chili for this recipe? Yes, you can use canned chili as a shortcut, but homemade chili offers a richer, more customizable flavor.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? Swap the regular hot dogs for turkey or chicken hot dogs, use low-fat cheese, and opt for whole-grain buns to reduce calories and fat content.
- Can I freeze leftover chili? Absolutely! The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just thaw and reheat before using.
- What other toppings can I add to these hot dogs? In addition to onions and jalapeños, you can try pickled relish, mustard, or even avocado slices for a unique twist.
- What sides go well with chili cheese hot dogs? Serve these hot dogs with classic sides like French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.