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Dinner

Classic Homemade Chili Dogs

Nothing beats the comfort of a juicy hot dog topped with savory homemade chili and melted cheese.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 14, 2026
Classic Homemade Chili Dogs
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
8

Homemade chili dogs are a staple for backyard barbecues and easy weeknight dinners. There is something so satisfying about the combination of a smoky sausage and a thick, meaty chili sauce that makes this meal a crowd favorite.

My best tip for the perfect dog is to lightly toast your buns in a pan with a little butter. It stops the bun from getting soggy and adds a lovely crunch that holds up against the chili.

Ingredients

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is cooked through.

  2. 2

    Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until they are soft.

  3. 3

    Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin, then season with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken up.

  5. 5

    While the chili simmers, cook your hot dogs on the grill or in a separate pan until they are heated through.

  6. 6

    Place each hot dog into a toasted bun, ladle a generous amount of chili over the top, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese before serving.

💡 Tips

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also add diced raw onions or pickled jalapeños on top for extra flavor and a nice crunch.

#Dinner#Comfort Food#Easy Dinner#Classic Recipes#Family Meals

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