Spicy Chili Dogs with are the ultimate comfort food, melding smoky, spicy chili sauce over perfectly grilled sausages nestled in toasted hot dog buns. This recipe is inspired by the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl half-smoke dogs from Washington DC, delivering a unique flavor that’s perfect for summer barbecues, game nights, or casual gatherings. With rich, thick chili sauce and a delightful mix of toppings, these chili dogs are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chili Dogs with
There are countless reasons to adore Spicy Chili Dogs with. First, they’re incredibly satisfying, thanks to the hearty combination of spicy hot dogs with chili and cheese. Second, the bold flavors bring excitement to any meal, making them a standout dish. Third, they’re easy to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to impress their guests. Additionally, how to make spicy chili dogs is straightforward, ensuring that you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. Lastly, with so many delicious spicy chili dog toppings available, everyone can customize their dogs just the way they like them.
Ingredients for Spicy Chili Dogs with
Gather these items:
- 3 tsp smoked paprika (or plain paprika as a substitute)
- 3 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (beef mince)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomato
- 2 beef stock cubes (such as Oxo), crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke, or hot dogs of choice)
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- Yellow mustard (Heinz American mustard preferred)
- 2 cups shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Plain crinkle cut potato chips (optional side)
How to Make Spicy Chili Dogs with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper. Set aside this spice blend to add flavor to the chili sauce later.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and red capsicum. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, around 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and the prepared chili spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors while stirring continuously to coat the beef evenly.
- Step 5: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, crumble in the beef stock cubes, and add water along with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Step 6: For a smoother texture similar to the Ben’s Chili Bowl style, use an immersion blender directly in the pan to blitz the chili sauce briefly. This step releases more flavor and thickens the sauce to cling better to the sausages.
- Step 7: While the chili simmers, cook the smoked sausages by pan-frying or grilling until thoroughly heated and nicely browned, about 8-10 minutes, turning to cook evenly.
- Step 8: Lightly toast the hot dog buns. Place a cooked sausage in each bun, then generously spoon the thick chili sauce over the top. Add finely chopped white onions, a drizzle of yellow mustard, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Step 9: Serve the chili dogs immediately, with plain crinkle-cut potato chips on the side for a traditional finish to this classic dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Chili Dogs with
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
- Use your favorite type of smoked sausage for a unique twist.
- Toast the buns for added texture and crunch.
- Consider adding jalapeños for extra heat or topping with avocado for creaminess.
Best Ways to Serve Spicy Chili Dogs with
There are many delicious ways to enjoy your Spicy Chili Dogs with. Pair them with classic crinkle-cut potato chips for a nostalgic touch, or serve with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. You can also whip up a batch of chili cheese fries as a fantastic side dish!
How to Store and Reheat Spicy Chili Dogs with
To store leftover Spicy Chili Dogs with, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chili dogs in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For meal prep, you can prepare the chili in advance and store it separately from the sausages and buns, assembling them just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Chili Dogs with
What is a spicy chili dog?
A spicy chili dog is a hot dog topped with a flavorful and spicy chili sauce, typically made from ground beef, spices, and tomatoes. The combination creates a delicious, hearty meal that’s loved by many, making it a popular choice at cookouts and sporting events.
Can I make Spicy Chili Dogs with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili and sausages ahead of time. Store the chili in the fridge for up to three days and reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it easy to have a quick and satisfying meal on hand.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Chili Dogs with?
To avoid mistakes, ensure your chili is simmered long enough for the flavors to develop. Use quality sausages, and make sure to toast your buns for a better texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving!
Variations of Spicy Chili Dogs with You Can Try
Try these variations to switch up your Spicy Chili Dogs with:
1. **Vegetarian Chili Dogs**: Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans for a meatless option.
2. **BBQ Chili Dogs**: Incorporate BBQ sauce into the chili for a sweet and tangy twist.
3. **Cheesy Chili Dogs**: Add a layer of cheese to the chili before serving for a gooey finish.
4. **International Flavors**: Top with salsa and avocado for a Mexican flair or kimchi for an Asian twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken or Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet.
For more information on the health benefits of spices, visit Healthline.
Print
Spicy Chili Dogs with Bold Flavors for Summer Fun
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This recipe for Chili Dogs features smoky, spicy chili sauce smothered over pan-fried or grilled smoked sausages in a toasted hot dog bun.
Ingredients
- 3 tsp smoked paprika (or plain paprika as a substitute)
- 3 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (beef mince)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomato
- 2 beef stock cubes (such as Oxo), crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 6 good smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, half-smoke, or hot dogs of choice)
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- Yellow mustard (Heinz American mustard preferred)
- 2 cups shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese (or cheese of choice)
- Plain crinkle cut potato chips (optional side)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper. Set aside this spice blend to add flavor to the chili sauce later.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and red capsicum. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, around 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste and the prepared chili spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors while stirring continuously to coat the beef evenly.
- Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, crumble in the beef stock cubes, and add water along with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop rich flavors.
- For a smoother texture similar to the Ben’s Chili Bowl style, use an immersion blender directly in the pan to blitz the chili sauce briefly. This step releases more flavor and thickens the sauce to cling better to the sausages.
- While the chili simmers, cook the smoked sausages by pan-frying or grilling until thoroughly heated and nicely browned, about 8-10 minutes, turning to cook evenly.
- Lightly toast the hot dog buns. Place a cooked sausage in each bun, then generously spoon the thick chili sauce over the top. Add finely chopped white onions, a drizzle of yellow mustard, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Serve the chili dogs immediately, with plain crinkle-cut potato chips on the side for a traditional finish to this classic dish.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
- Use your favorite type of smoked sausage.
- Toast the buns for added texture.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili dog
- Calories: 761 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg