Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs

Name: Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 14-oz can of diced tomatoes; 1 15-oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 hot dog sausages; 8 hot dog buns; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 8

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Get ready to elevate your hot dog game with these Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs. This recipe combines juicy sausages with a hearty chili and a gooey cheese topping, perfect for a casual get-together or a cozy night in.

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Ingredients for Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs

Ground beef forms the base of our chili, providing a hearty, savory foundation. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, essential for a flavorful chili. Olive oil is used for sautéing, imparting a subtle richness. A can of diced tomatoes brings acidity and moisture, while kidney beans add texture and protein. Chili powder and cumin are the spices that give the chili its warmth and complexity. Of course, we can't forget the hot dog sausages and buns, the main stars of the show. Finally, cheddar cheese melts into a delightful topping, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a touch of freshness if desired.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chili.
Use a slotted spoon to serve the chili onto the hot dogs, helping avoid too much liquid making the buns soggy.
For an extra layer of flavor, try smoking the sausages on a grill instead of pan-frying.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these chili cheese dogs with a fresh, crisp coleslaw to balance the rich flavors. A side of oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges can make the meal even more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chili ahead of time?: Yes, the chili can be made a day in advance and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day!
Can I use a different type of bean?: Absolutely, black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes.
What if I don't have an oven?: You can skip the toasting step and melt the cheese by placing the assembled hot dogs under a broiler or using a kitchen torch.

Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start to smell fantastic.

Next, add in the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and stir occasionally until it's all browned. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the chili from being greasy.

Now, it's time to add the flavor powerhouses: stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and a little salt and pepper. Let it all simmer together for 20 minutes, stirring every so often. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to thicken up.

While your chili is simmering, you can cook the hot dog sausages. Grill them or pan-fry until they're nicely browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes to get them lightly toasted. This step ensures your buns can stand up to the hearty chili without getting soggy.

Now for assembly: place a cooked sausage in each toasted bun. Top each one generously with your homemade chili, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted.

If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of green and a hint of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, yet feels like a special treat.
Packed with flavors thanks to a well-spiced chili.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.
Customizable with your favorite toppings and garnishes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 14-oz can of diced tomatoes

1 15-oz can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

8 hot dog sausages

8 hot dog buns

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.

2. Add ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.

5. Grill or pan-fry hot dog sausages until fully cooked and browned.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place hot dog buns on a baking sheet and lightly toast for 5 minutes.

7. Place a cooked sausage in each bun, top generously with chili, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.