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Chili Cheese Dogs

Chili Cheese Dogs

These Chili Cheese Dogs are hearty and savory, with a spiced beef chili spooned over grilled hot dogs and melty cheddar in toasted buns. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for backyard grilling, game-day gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Keyword: Grilling

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • grill
  • grill pan
  • oven
  • broiler

Ingredients

  • 1/2 white onion diced and divided
  • 1 pound ground beef 85% lean/15% fat
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 6-8 hot dogs
  • 6-8 hot dog buns I like brioche buns
  • yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese or any other melty cheese you love
  • 1/4 white onion minced
  • pickled jalapeños as garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, add half of the diced white onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and the minced garlic, breaking up the meat and cooking until browned, about 5 minutes. If using leaner ground beef, add a teaspoon or two of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Stir in the 1/3 cup tomato paste, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to keep the chili warm while you finish the rest of the meal.
  4. Cook the hot dogs on a preheated grill or in a hot grill pan over high heat, turning until grill marks appear and the hot dogs are cooked through. Transfer the cooked hot dogs to a 200 degree F oven to keep warm.
  5. Toast the hot dog buns in a grill pan: add a teaspoon of butter to the pan and, when very hot, press the buns down in the pan for about 1 minute, then toast the opposite side for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining buns.
  6. Assemble the dogs by placing each hot dog in a toasted bun, adding yellow mustard, topping with a generous spoonful of the chili and then 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (or other melty cheese). If the cheese isn't melting, place the assembled hot dogs under the broiler for about 1 minute. Finish with the remaining diced white onion and pickled jalapeños as garnish.

Notes

Use Beyond or Impossible Ground Meat in the chili.
Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Use vegan hot dogs. Field Roast brand is delicious!