Hot Dog Chili

The Ultimate Hot Dog Chili Recipe (No Beans!)

Nothing takes a hot dog to the next level like a rich, flavorful homemade hot dog chili. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, setting up a hot dog bar, or just craving a classic chili dog, this hot dog chili recipe is the perfect topping. It’s thick, meaty, and made without beans, ensuring a smooth consistency that drapes perfectly over your hot dogs.

This hot dog chili recipe (easy) is packed with bold flavors and comes together in just about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. If you’re looking for the best homemade hot dog chili, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Dog Chili Recipe

✔️ No beans! Perfectly smooth consistency for hot dogs.
✔️ Packed with flavor. A blend of spices, Worcestershire sauce, and beer makes this chili irresistible.
✔️ Make-ahead friendly. The flavors only get better with time.
✔️ Perfect for a hot dog bar! Keep warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.

Hot Dog Bar Ideas: Toppings & Variations

Hosting a backyard cookout? A hot dog bar is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Offer a variety of hot dog bar toppings so guests can build their ultimate hot dog creations. Here are some ideas:

Classic & Regional Hot Dogs:

• Classic Chili Cheese Dog – Hot dog chili, shredded cheddar, diced onions.
• Carolina Style Dog – Hot dog chili, creamy coleslaw, yellow mustard.
• West Virginia Dog – Hot dog chili, coleslaw, diced onions, yellow mustard.
• Texas Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, jalapeños, shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Coney Island Dog – Hot dog chili, yellow mustard, diced onions.

Creative & Gourmet Hot Dogs:

• Bacon Chili Crunch Dog – Hot dog chili, crispy bacon, fried onions, shredded cheese.
• BBQ Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, BBQ sauce drizzle, crispy fried onions, pickles.
• Mac & Cheese Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, creamy mac & cheese, crushed Ritz crackers.
• Buffalo Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, buffalo sauce drizzle, blue cheese crumbles, celery.
• Tex-Mex Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, guacamole, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips.

Unique & Fun Ideas:

• Nacho Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, nacho cheese, jalapeños, crushed Doritos.
• Breakfast Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon.
• Pimento Cheese Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, creamy pimento cheese, diced pickles.
• Pizza Chili Dog – Hot dog chili, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices.
• Frito Pie Dog – Hot dog chili, shredded cheese, crushed Fritos, sour cream.

My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets for This Recipe

Having the right kitchen gadgets makes cooking fun and easy. Check out my recommended kitchen essentials for this recipe:

• Meat Chopper – Perfect for breaking up ground beef smoothly.
• Chopper – Easily dice onions without tears.
• Garlic Press – Saves time when mincing fresh garlic.
• Magnetic Measuring Spoons – Keeps all your measuring tools together and organized.
• Pyrex Measuring Cups – Durable and great for measuring wet ingredients.

Classic Hot Dog Chili (No Beans) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beer
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up finely with a meat chopper. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step Two: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step Three: Add the Flavor

Stir in beer, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings (chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, cayenne).

Step Four: Simmer

Stir to combine. Let the chili simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step Five: Serve

Spoon over hot dogs and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Dog Chili

• Make it ahead! This chili tastes even better the next day.
• Use a mix n chop tool to break up the beef extra fine.
• Want a milder chili? Reduce the chili powder and skip the cayenne.
• Thicker chili? Simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.

What to Serve with Hot Dog Chili

No cookout is complete without the perfect sides! These classic backyard cookout recipes pair beautifully with hot dogs:

• Southern Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor.
• Broccoli Salad – A fresh, crunchy side with a touch of sweetness.
• Mama’s Mac and Cheese – Rich, creamy, and baked to perfection.
• Easy Baked Beans – Sweet, smoky, and a must-have at any BBQ.
• American Flag Cake – The perfect patriotic dessert to finish off your meal.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Have leftover homemade hot dog chili? No problem!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled chili in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm up on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.