Chili Cheese Dog Chili Recipe

This Chili Cheese Dog Chili brings together everything I love about two comfort food classics — hearty beef chili and cheesy chili dogs — all in one irresistible bowl.

I first made this when I wanted all the flavor of a ballpark chili dog but in a spoonable, cozy form that’s perfect for game day or a cold night.

The rich, meaty chili base is loaded with hot dog slices, melted cheddar, and smoky spices that make every bite cheesy, beefy, and satisfying.

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Highlights

This Chili Cheese Dog Chili takes the nostalgic taste of chili dogs and turns it into a hearty, one-pot meal.

The ground beef and sliced hot dogs simmer in a spiced tomato base, while gooey melted cheddar swirls throughout for rich, cheesy comfort.

It’s smoky, savory, and a little indulgent — the perfect chili for family nights or feeding a crowd.

The flavors are bold and balanced: the saltiness of the hot dogs complements the depth of the chili, while the cheese adds that perfect creamy texture.

Highlights:

• Combines two classic comfort foods in one bowl
  .
• Cheesy, meaty, and smoky
  .
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
  .
• Easy one-pot recipe
  .
• Great for game day or casual dinners

Hearty Chili Cheese Dog Chili

This dish brings together the comforting flavors of chili and the classic taste of hot dogs, creating a meal that is both satisfying and hearty.

Featuring a rich mixture of ground beef (85/15 blend) and 6 all-beef hot dogs sliced into bite-sized pieces, this chili is sure to please.

The addition of diced yellow onion and minced cloves of garlic enhances the overall flavor, while the blend of spices, including chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, adds depth to the dish.

With vibrant diced tomatoes and a smooth tomato sauce, the chili achieves a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Simmered to perfection, this dish is topped with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and jalapeños, making it a delightful option for any occasion.

Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, this chili is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The ingredients used in this chili are key to its rich flavor profile.

Starting with the ground beef, the 85/15 blend offers just the right amount of fat to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

The 6 all-beef hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces, add a familiar taste that complements the chili beautifully.

Incorporating diced yellow onion and minced garlic provides a savory base, while the combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a robust sauce that binds everything together.

Beef broth is added for depth, and the spices—chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika—bring warmth and complexity to the dish.

Finally, the shredded cheddar cheese not only melts into the chili but also serves as a delicious topping, enhancing the overall experience.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: Use 85/15 ground beef for a rich, juicy chili base that balances flavor and texture.
  .
• Beef Hot Dogs: The key to that nostalgic chili dog flavor — slice them into bite-sized rounds so they blend naturally into the chili.
  .
• Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth to the chili base.
  .
• Garlic: Boosts the overall aroma and brings balance to the spices.
  .
• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Create a smooth yet chunky chili base with rich acidity.
  .
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates flavor and thickens the chili perfectly.
  .
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps meld all the flavors together.
  ,
• Chili Powder, Cumin & Smoked Paprika: A classic trio that delivers warmth and smokiness.
  .
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts right into the chili for creamy texture and that signature cheesy flavor.
  .
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
  .
• Optional Toppings: More cheddar, chopped onions, or jalapeños for a little extra kick.

How to Make My Chili Cheese Dog Chili

1. Cook the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
   .
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed, then sauté the diced yellow onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
   .
3. Add Hot Dogs: Stir in sliced hot dogs and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
   .
4. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to intensify their flavor.
   .
5. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
   .
6. Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the pot and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
   .
7. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
   .
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, chopped onions, or jalapeños if desired.

Cooking Process: Step by Step

Preparing this chili is straightforward and rewarding.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, draining any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Next, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Then, stir in the sliced hot dogs and let them cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, followed by the spices.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the chili, creating a creamy texture that ties everything together.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chili is ready, it’s time to serve.

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese for a melty finish.

Garnish with chopped onions and sliced jalapeños for a bit of crunch and heat.

A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili, making each bite even more enjoyable.

This chili is hearty enough to stand alone, but tastes incredible served with:

• Extra shredded cheddar or sour cream on top
  .
• Warm buttered cornbread
  .
• Crusty garlic bread or pretzel buns
  .
• Crispy fries (for chili cheese fries!)
  .
• A simple green salad to balance the richness

Perfect for Any Occasion

This chili cheese dog chili is versatile enough to be enjoyed on various occasions.

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a comforting meal at home, this dish fits the bill.

Its hearty nature means it can easily feed a crowd, making it an excellent choice for potlucks or family dinners.

With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, everyone can enjoy it just the way they like.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a bowl of this delicious chili that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Dog Chili

Use quality hot dogs — all-beef varieties hold their texture and flavor best during simmering.

Grating your own cheddar (rather than pre-shredded) makes it melt smoothly and creamier.

For an extra layer of smokiness, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or using smoked sausages instead of standard hot dogs.

If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes before adding the cheese.

Storage and Warming

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

This chili freezes well for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat before serving.