Dog Days Are Over… and Chili Season is Here!
Table of Contents
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 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 it is, we recommend using lean ground beef (local if possible) 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 as a ground meat alternative that’s still rich in protein and vitamins. Just make sure to season them extra-well with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and chili powder. You might also enjoy experimenting with trusted meat-alternative brands like Field Roast.
Lastly, one of the most unhealthy parts of the classic hot dog is the bun, and so you might consider using a fresh baguette or bread rolls from your local bakery. There are also plenty of gluten-free bun options, such as those made by Schär.
Getting Creative with Leftovers
Since this hot dog chili is technically a fine sauce, it works 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 goes good on baked potatoes, chips, or fries – whether russet or sweet.
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?
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine
Mix beef and broth; breaking meat into small pieces.
Season
Add sauces and spices; stir well.
Simmer
Cook until thickened; blend flavors.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
If you’re making this dish ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Any longer than that and it should be put in an airtight, freezer-friendly container and frozen until needed. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, which is another good reason to have leftovers; no worries! When it’s time to thaw it, defrost in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish and stir every 1 minute. Ta-da! No hassle, and very easy to store for later.
While they’re similar in essence, the thick and meaty sauce on a Coney Island dog isn’t technically chili; plus, it’s smothered in onions and yellow mustard, which this recipe doesn’t call for.
For richer and earthier spice, use cacao powder, smoked paprika, and/or fresh chilis. Craving an even bigger kick? Try adding pickle brine or a dark, malty beer. This deepens the flavor profile and makes the recipe stand out even more.
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. But 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!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine the ground beef and beef broth over medium heat, breaking the beef into very small pieces with a fork or potato masher.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment