If you're looking for a meal that satisfies both the heart and the stomach, chili cheese dogs are a fantastic choice. This recipe brings together the savory goodness of chili with the classic comfort of hot dogs, all topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a casual dinner or a game day snack!
The foundation of any good chili is its ingredients. First, we have olive oil, which helps sauté the vegetables and add a slight richness. The ground beef provides the main protein and heartiness. Onion and garlic are essential for building the flavor base. We add kidney beans for some texture and fiber. Tomato sauce binds everything together with its tangy sweetness. The chili powder and cumin are the stars, giving that signature chili flavor. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors. For the toppings, shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, while green onions and optional jalapeños add a fresh kick.
Chili cheese dogs are perfect with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad. For a fun twist, serve with a cold glass of root beer or a craft beer to complement the rich flavors. If you're hosting a gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar for guests to customize their own dogs.
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until they soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about five minutes.
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon, cooking until it's browned all over. This is a good time to drain any excess fat if there's too much in the pan, as we want our chili to be hearty, not greasy.
Now, stir in the kidney beans and tomato sauce. Add the chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together beautifully.
While your chili simmers, it's a good time to cook your hot dogs. You can grill them for that smoky flavor, or steam them if you prefer a softer texture. It's up to you!
Once everything is ready, place the hot dogs snugly in their buns. Spoon a generous amount of chili over each one. Don't be shy with it!
Top each dog with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle on some green onions for color and flavor, and add jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
Finally, place the assembled chili cheese dogs under a broiler for two to three minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Share