Description
These Mouthwatering Chili Dogs feature a rich, slow-simmered homemade beef chili sauce served over perfectly grilled smoked sausages nestled in soft hot dog buns. Enhanced with fresh onions, a hint of mustard, and melted shredded cheese, this classic American comfort food is elevated with flavorful spices and slow-cooked depth for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Using a fattier beef enhances flavor)
- 2 cubes Beef Bouillon (Adds depth to the chili)
- 1 cup Onion, chopped (Essential aromatic)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Bell Pepper, diced (Any variety works)
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (Creates a thick base for the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Homemade Chili Powder (Adjust cayenne based on spice tolerance)
- A splash of water
Sausage and Dog Ingredients
- 4 pieces Smoked Sausages (Choose bratwurst or kransky)
- 4 pieces Hot Dog Buns (Soft, quality buns are best)
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard (Classic condiment)
- 1 cup White Onion, diced (Adds sweetness and crunch)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Monterey Jack or Colby recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance flavor.
- Add Chili Base Ingredients: Stir in chili powder, crushed tomatoes, beef bouillon cubes, and a splash of water. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Partially cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer gently for about 3 hours to develop rich flavors.
- Blend Sauce for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, carefully blend a portion of the chili sauce and stir it back into the pan, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Cook Sausages: While the chili simmers, grill or pan-fry the smoked sausages until they are browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Assemble Chili Dogs: Place each grilled sausage into a hot dog bun. Top generously with the homemade chili sauce, a smear of yellow mustard, diced white onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Arrange the assembled chili dogs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Using fattier ground beef enhances the depth and richness of the chili sauce.
- The homemade chili powder can be adjusted to control the heat level; reduce cayenne for milder flavor.
- Partially blending the chili sauce creates a creamier texture without losing the hearty chunks.
- Grilling sausages adds extra smoky flavor, but pan-frying is a great alternative.
- Ensure the hot dog buns are soft and good quality for the best eating experience.
- To save time, prepare the chili sauce a day ahead and reheat before assembling.
