Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili is that crowd-pleaser you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or whipping up a quick lunch, this chili is a game-changer. It’s thick, meaty, and packed with flavor that takes your hot dogs to the next level. Think of it as the ultimate hot dog makeover—guaranteed to impress adults and kids alike! Plus, it’s beyond simple to make, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the party.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili. This isn’t just any chili—it’s a game-changer for your summer cookouts, football parties, or even casual weeknight dinners. Jeff’s recipe delivers a savory, smoky, and somewhat sweet topping that clings perfectly to grilled hot dogs. Fun fact? Jeff came up with this recipe after being fed up with bland store-bought chili. Instead of settling, he perfected his own! What makes this chili extra special is its consistency—not too runny, not too thick—ideal for layering over hot dogs without it sliding off. Another perk? You don’t need advanced cooking skills to whip this up. It’s a down-to-business recipe that even beginners can handle with ease. Trust us, after tasting it, you’ll never go back to canned chili again.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, bold flavor that transforms any hot dog
- Easy-to-follow recipe that’s beginner-friendly
- Perfect for cookouts, tailgates, or weeknight dinners
- Customizable with plenty of seasoning tweaks
- Versatile—use it on burgers, fries, or nachos!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground beef: The star of the show. You can swap it for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Tomato sauce: This adds a lush base. In a pinch, ketchup can work, but dial back on any added sugar.
- Onion and garlic powder: Essential flavor boosters that can be subbed with fresh alternatives or even onion soup mix.
- Chili seasoning: Use Jeff’s preferred spice mix, or feel free to try a smoky chipotle blend for extra flair.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Grab a skillet and cook your ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly.
- Drain any excess grease—this keeps your chili from becoming too oily.
- Stir in tomato sauce, onions, garlic powder, and chili seasoning. Mix until everything’s well blended.
- Lower the heat and let your chili simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- Taste test! Adjust the seasoning to suit your liking. Need a kick? Add some cayenne! Too salty? A touch of sugar balances it out.
- Spoon over hot dogs, fries, or burgers and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Opt for a lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Simmer longer if you prefer a thicker chili.
Warm your hot dog buns for the full experience.
Use a non-stick skillet to make cleanup easier.
Always taste and tweak as you go—cooking is all about adjusting for your personal taste!
Variations and Customizations
You can tweak this recipe to match your cravings. Got a vegetarian in the house? Swap out the beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils. Love spicy food? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke works wonders. You can even use this chili as a topping for different bases—try it on fries, burgers, or baked potatoes for something different. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili is packed with protein, thanks to the ground beef. On average, one serving has about 200 calories, with 15g of protein, 10g of fat, and 6g of carbs. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use lean beef or turkey. The dish is low in sugar but can be made gluten-free if needed by double-checking your seasonings and tomato sauce. Plus, if you opt for the plant-based version, it’s suitable for vegetarians.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! Just let the chili cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Planning to use it later? Pop it in the freezer, where it’ll hold up for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or tomato sauce if it thickened too much in storage.
Recipe Card of Jeff's Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients list
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.33333334326744 cup water
- 0.5 can (10 ounce) tomato sauce
- 0.5 cup ketchup
- 2.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round up all your ingredients before you begin.
- In a roomy saucepan, mix the ground beef with water. Use a potato masher to break the beef into pieces.
- Add in tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to blend well.
- Bring your mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the beef is done and your chili reaches a rich thickness, about 20 mins.
- Crown your hot dogs with this delicious chili and relish the flavor!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
How spicy is Jeff’s Hot Dog Chili?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can easily tweak the heat level by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat and enjoy!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double the ingredients and be sure to use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate everything. A longer simmer time may also help with flavor.
Is this gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free seasoning and tomato sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve Jeff’s chili?
It’s ideal for topping hot dogs, but it’s also fantastic on fries, nachos, baked potatoes, or even burgers.