Description
This Quick Chili Cheese Dogs recipe offers a savory and satisfying twist on classic hot dogs, featuring a rich chili sauce with ground chuck, aromatic spices, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a perfect meal for family or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chili Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup water
Hot Dogs
- 8 hot dogs, cooked
- 8 hot dog buns
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Chuck: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to keep the chili sauce from becoming greasy.
- Add Aromatics: Add dried minced onion flakes and crushed garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Prepare Chili Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil to integrate flavors and heat thoroughly.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili sauce simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and develop a rich flavor.
- Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs: Place each cooked hot dog inside a bun. Spoon generous amounts of the hot chili sauce over the dogs. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by chopped green onions for freshness and color.
Notes
- You can cook the hot dogs by boiling, grilling, or pan-frying based on your preference before assembling.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chili sauce.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.