The Best Chili Cheese Dogs
These chili cheese dogs are rich, messy, and loaded with bold flavor in every bite. A classic beefy chili, melty cheese, and snappy hot dogs come together for the ultimate comfort-food upgrade. These are so good, you’ll think you’re at your favorite hot dog stand
Servings: 8
Ingredients
CHILI
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
HOT DOGS
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Shredded cheese
- Coleslaw
Instructions
- Add the ground beef and tomato sauce to a cold pot and mix together until fully combined. (mixing before adding to the heat is key to consistency)
- Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and broken up.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
- Mix in the mustard and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the chili gently simmer while you prepare the hot dogs, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the hot dogs using your preferred method, grilling or pan-searing over medium high heat until heated through and lightly charred on the outside.
- Place the cooked hot dogs into warm buns and immediately add a layer of shredded cheese, followed by a generous spoonful of hot chili and a scoop of coleslaw on top.
- Optionally: wrap each chili cheese dog tightly in parchment paper or foil and let rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese fully melts and everything comes together.
- Unwrap, dig in, and enjoy the best chili cheese dog you’ll ever have.