This Easy Hot Dog Chili recipe is packed with savory flavor and makes the perfect topping for hot dogs. Serve it at your next backyard cookout alongside all your favorite grilled classics.

Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe for Summer Grilling

When the weather starts warming up, you can bet we’ll be spending more time grilling out on the back porch. There’s just something about summertime that makes firing up the grill feel right, though we’ve been known to grill in just about any kind of weather. Hot dogs and hamburgers are often on the menu, and having plenty of toppings on hand lets everyone fix their plate just the way they like it.

Chili is always a welcome addition to the spread, especially because the flavors only get better when it’s made ahead of time. Whether you’re serving up regular chili with beans made in the Crock Pot or a classic stovetop chili, letting it rest awhile gives all those savory flavors time to come together beautifully.

Key hot dog chili ingredients you’ll need: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Hamburger – Lean ground beef forms the base of the chili mixture.
Onion and Garlic – Sweet onion and minced garlic adds an earthy flavor.
Oil – You’ll need olive oil or vegetable oil to brown the ground beef.
Liquid – Beef broth for moisture.
Ketchup – Ketchup adds flavor and just a hint of sweetness.
Thickener – Tomato paste thickens the chili.
Sauce – Worcestershire sauce enhances the taste of the hamburger.
Spices – Dark chili powder, ground mustard, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (or black pepper), celery salt, ground cumin and a few dashes of hot sauce.

How to Make Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Heat Oil – In a large 12 inch skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat.
Saute Ground Beef and Onion – Cook ground beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from pan.
Liquid – Add beef broth, ketchup, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Seasonings – Add chili powder, garlic salt, paprika, ground mustard, red pepper flakes, celery salt, cumin and hot sauce. Mix well.
Cook – Simmer uncovered on low heat per the cooking time in the recipe until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally.
Serve on hot dogs with additional toppings, as desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Large skillet.
Sharp knife and cutting board.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Large spoon for stirring.
Potato masher or ground beef chopper for breaking apart the ground beef as it cooks.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Protein – You can make this chili using ground chicken or ground turkey in the same amount, if desired.
Beef Stock – Just as you can thicken the chili with tomato paste, you can thin the consistency using additional beef stock or beef broth.
Ketchup – You could use canned tomato sauce in place of ketchup.
Serving Tip – When hosting a larger gathering, this recipe easily doubles and can be reheated and kept warm in a slow cooker for serving.
Classic Hot Dog Embellishments – Consider setting up a toppings bar to let everyone build their hot dog their way. Some toppings, are the classics mustard, diced onion, cole slaw, relish and ketchup.
Additional Popular Hot Dog Toppings – Pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, crumbled bacon, cheese, olives, warm queso, green onion, Southern chow chow, lettuce, pulled pork barbecue and beyond. Add whatever you like to the top of your hot dog.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover Hot Dog Chili- You can prepare hot dog chili up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator until serving. Reheat on the stovetop until it’s fully heated through and keep warm.
Reheating – Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat before serving.
Freezer – You can freeze leftover chili in freezer bags or freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat just before serving.

Delicious Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve with Chili Dogs

There are so many tasty choices to serve alongside chili dogs, that you may enjoy:

Crispy Baked Potato Wedges are super simple to make in the oven.
Homestyle Macaroni Salad is a summertime favorite.
Homemade French Fries are a go-to recipe.
Root Beer Baked Beans are packed with flavor.
Southern Potato Salad is a stellar option.
Grilled Corn Salad is the perfect use for farmstand vegetables.
Pickled Slaw from Southern Living.

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