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Craving that classic hot dog chili sauce just like the kind from your favorite hot dog stand? This recipe is packed with bold, savory flavor and a finer texture that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s one of my most requested recipes, perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to quick weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try it, this chili sauce will be the only one you’ll ever want to make!
As far back as I can remember, our house has always been the place for celebrations. Summer cookouts in the backyard, crisp fall evenings by the firepit, or even Halloween gatherings—no matter the time of year, there’s always a reason to bring people together. And you know what’s a staple at all of these? Hot dogs! But not just any hot dogs. They’re always topped with my homemade hot dog chili sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a good hot dog unforgettable.
Whether it’s Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or Labor Day, you’ll find us hanging out poolside with friends and family. Everyone’s got their favorite dish, but one thing I can always count on—someone asking, “Are you making your chili sauce?” It’s become a must-have at our gatherings, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to whip up. It’s simple, delicious, and brings back all those sweet memories of good food and even better company.
Why you’ll love this Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Chili Flavor: Get the tangy, fresh taste of chili for your hot dog.
- 4 Easy Steps: Yep, all you need are four simple steps to make homemade chili. No more canned chili- ever again!
- Your Way: Make it your way by adding spice or more sweetness to the recipe. There are no rules here.
Homemade Hot Dog Chili Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps the grease away and the flavor forward.
- Onion: I like to use yellow onions for that sweet onion taste. But of course, you can use white.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is the base for the entire chili sauce.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth adds that savory beefy taste to this recipe.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Yellow Mustard: The two together make a tangy good sauce!
- Chili Powder: You cannot have chili without chili powder.
- Brown Sugar: Just a bit adds the right amount of sweetness.
- Seasonings: Chili powder does not stand alone in a good chili recipe. You’ll need garlic powder and onion powder, as well as kosher salt and black pepper.
How to make Hot Dog Chili Sauce
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
In only 4 easy steps, your hot dog can go from a boring pup to a champion hot dog with this easy recipe for the top chili dogs.
Step 1 | Brown the Beef
Start with your Dutch oven or large skillet and sauté the crumbled lean ground beef with the diced onions. Stir with a wooden spoon until all is browned and smells delicious.
Then drain the grease from the pan, pour the meat on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb more grease, and set it to the side.
Step 2 | Add in the Spice
Here is where the hot dog chili sauce comes to life. Add in your spices here, and go ahead and waft that savory good fragrance all over the house.
Step 3| Pour in the Liquids
Add the tomato sauce, broth, and all the rest of the ingredients. Everybody in the pool- or the meat sauce!
Once a good simmer is reached, turn the heat down a bit and simmer away until the sauce is just the right consistency to hold on to that hot dog!
Step 4 | Plate and Top Your Dog
I like to transfer my Hot dog chili sauce recipe to a slow cooker or crock pot to keep warm during the party.
Grab your hot dog buns and serve the homemade chili sauce over a hot dog and top with all the fixings you like!
Warning: You are going to want a napkin right away – unless you are just going to lick your fingers! It is really that good.
Tips for Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Drain the meat – No one wants grease floating on their chili sauce. Don’t forget to drain the ground beef.
- Start the onions just ahead of the ground beef if you have kids that don’t like to see onions! Or you can even grate them into the sauce, and they won’t see them at all.
- To get a really fine beef texture, use a fork to mash the beef until the desired texture is achieved. You can even add in the beef broth and continue to work with the fork for a super fine texture.
- Out of tomato sauce? Use tomato paste and a cup of water.
- If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to adjust the salt in the recipe to your taste. You can also use low-sodium beef broth or water as a substitute.
Additional Hot Dog Recipe Toppings
Hot Dogs are a way to carry around your favorite toppings with no need for a plate – but you will need a napkin or two. What do you think is the perfect topping for hot dogs?
Here are a few of the things I have set out over the years.
- Cheese – What is your pleasure? Try cheddar cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, and more. Like QUESO!
- Sauces & Condiments – Not only will I set out the mustard and ketchup, but some folks like salsa, sour cream, BBQ, and even Mayo.
- Veggies – Try some diced onions and bell peppers next time. And don’t forget the pickle relish.
- Heat – Add hot sauce, jalapeños, and more!
- BACON – Because… bacon!
Homemade Hot Dog Chili Variations
- Want this a little extra spicy? Add in a can of mild green chiles, some red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
- If you really love beans in your hot dog chili, it’s perfectly fine to add a can of kidney beans to this recipe. Just drain and rinse; you can always add a little more beef broth, tomato sauce, or water to adjust sauciness.
How to serve Chili for Hot Dogs
Going all out with homemade chili sauce for your hot dogs, why not toss some Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot and bake a pan of Macaroni and Cheese! Add a big bowl of mixed greens and a jar of Blueberry Vinaigrette Dressing, and you have a great night ahead with a complete hot dog bar meal all will love.
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And by all means, put some of this delicious chili sauce on your French fries, too- Chili Cheese Fries, y’all!
I have also been known to sneak it on a burger and over a baked potato, too. It’s perfect when that nacho craving hits, and you need some quick chili for the top!
Just use your imagination; this stuff is great on just about anything!
Storing leftover Homemade Hot Dog Chili
This Chili Sauce Recipe does not last long in my household. But if you happen to have some leftover chili, you are in luck. There are so many things you can do with it!
Make-Ahead:
This chili sauce is even better when made a day ahead! Once it cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge overnight to let the flavors deepen. When it’s time to serve, warm it up in a skillet or Dutch oven over low heat until it’s simmering. If it’s too thick, just stir in a little broth or water to get it just right.
Storage:
Cover with foil or plastic wrap or place in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze:
This freezes really well, so make an extra batch or two and freeze it for future use. You can also freeze individual servings in snack bags and then put those in a freezer-safe zip bag to pull out for individual lunches.
Place in an airtight container and then in the freezer for up to 4 months. Just remember to label and date.
Reheat:
To reheat individual servings, place the desired amount on a microwave-safe dish and reheat. Start with 1 minute and stir. Then, add 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, you can – but I suggest you brown the ground beef in a skillet first.
It can be! Just ensure your broth, spices, sauces, and powders are the gf version, and you are good to go!
Hot dog chili is typically made without beans, traditionally with beef, and has a finer texture. Some like hot dog chili with a bit of sweetness. In this recipe, I add just a touch of sugar, but you can adjust that to your liking.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
For more great summer grilling and party recipes, try these!
- Easy Grilled Steak and Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Creamy Grape Salad
- Spaghetti Pasta Salad
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Hot Dog Chili Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup diced onion
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ to 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated or brown sugar, adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a 12-inch or large skillet over medium-high heat crumble and saute ground beef and onion. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any grease on a plate topped with paper towels. Return cooked ground beef and onion to skillet.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Starting with ½ cup beef broth and add more to the desired consistency. Bring to a simmer and cook (without a lid) for about 20-30 minutes or until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.
- Serve over prepared hot dogs and enjoy!
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Notes
Low and Slow Cook Chili Sauce – STOVETOP
My hot dog chili sauce is a quick and easy version and still packed with flavor, but like most recipes, the flavors only get better with time. If you’ve got a little extra time, let it simmer on low for 2–3 hours. This is especially handy if you’re doubling the batch or making it for a crowd—it just gets richer and more delicious the longer it cooks.Make Ahead
This chili sauce is even better when made a day ahead! Once it cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge overnight to let the flavors deepen. When it’s time to serve, warm it up in a skillet or Dutch oven over low heat until it’s simmering. If it’s too thick, just stir in a little broth or water to get it just right. Serve warm and enjoy.TIPS
- Drain the ground beef after cooking to remove any grease.
- To get a really fine beef texture, use a fork to mash the beef until the desired texture is achieved. You can even add in the beef broth and continue to work with the fork for a super fine texture.
- If you have kids (or adults) who don’t like onions, start the onions just ahead of the ground beef! You can even grate them into the sauce, and they won’t even see them.
- Out of tomato sauce? Use tomato paste and a cup of water.
- If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to adjust the salt in the recipe to your taste. You can also substitute low-sodium beef broth or water.
SLOW COOKER HOT DOG CHILI SAUCE
- In a 12-inch or large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and saute ground beef and onion. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any grease on a plate topped with paper towels.
- Transfer the cooked beef & onion to your slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients and give it a good stir.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
Really nice beef chili for topping on hot dogs. I used the tomato paste and
1 1/2 cups of beef broth instead of the tomato sauce. Cooked the meat until it was cooked into a very fine consistancy. Didn’t want the chili to be sloppy, but instead cooked it down a bit drier so it would stay on the dogs. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Thank you, Linda! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed it and will be making it again and again.
Very very delicious! I used to order hot dog chili online to have it shipped, because I’m so particular. This tasted better than the brand I usually go for and I consider it outstanding!!!
Thank you so much! I love that it is now your go-to recipe!
This was such a treat. Never had chili dogs before and I’m so glad this recipe was my first experience. SO GOOD!
Looking for a way to jazz up hot dogs – this is it! Delicious and would recommend having a napkin close by!
Presentation is too delicious. Definitely a Happy Meal for my family. I am drooling. Looks so moist and juicy.
What a great recipe, delicious and easy I will definitely make this again it really made hotdog go to another level !
This is such a good sauce for hot dog! But I really loved serving leftovers it with pasta or rice.
Thank you, Alina! We love chili over rice or pasta too! In fact I made some last night for the game and had rice along with it.
I love chili dogs, and I have been looking for a flavorful sauce to top them with. I am making the sauce as we speak! Super excited because it smells so wonderful!
Thank you, Heidy! I am so glad you gave it a try!
We used to top our hot dogs with canned chili, but no more! This chili sauce is SO much better!
Right! So easy to make and tastes so much better!
That sounds like an awesome Chili sauce. It is going to be a super hit with the hot dogs that I will be serving for dinner tomorrow.
Thank you, Sandhya!
This turned our boring hot dog into a gourmet meal in no time! My kind of comfort food; easily, the best way to enjoy hotdogs!
Thank you, Sarah! We love easy & delicious meals!
We made this the other day and my husband said it’s his new favorite recipe. Going to make it again when we have people over next week. Thank you for another yummy recipe!
Droooooling!! There is just nothing better than a chili dog is there!? I will take two, please! 🙂
These chili dogs were the best I’ve ever eaten or made!
Thank you, Julie!
I made this for a block party & everyone loved it. Easy to make too!
Thank you, Debi! I am so glad to hear everyone loved it!
Great chili for hotdogs with no beans! This is my go to from now on!
Thank you so much, Tristin!
I can’t wait to make a huge batch of this for game day!!