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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Chili Dogs

Chili Dogs

Top them with melty cheddar cheese and chopped onion!

By Ree DrummondUpdated: Aug 3, 2025
Star FillStar FillStar FillStar FillHalf Star
4.7
3 Ratings
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Video poster
Yields:
8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
the pioneer woman's chili dogs recipe
Stacy Allen

Whenever there’s a cookout, game day, or a day when the kids bring home a bunch of friends on the calendar, chili dogs are always a good idea. Around our house, Ladd never passes up the chance to pile a hearty scoop of chili onto a hot dog (or a burger, for that matter!), so these disappear in a hurry. The best part is that they're easy to pull together. Simmer a batch of homemade chili, cook the hot dogs however you like, and set out all the toppings so everyone can build their own.

The homemade chili is what really makes this recipe special. It's thick, saucy, and bean-free, so it hugs the hot dogs instead of sliding off the buns. A combination of tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, warm spices, and just enough cayenne gives it a rich, tangy flavor with a little kick. You can keep it mild or turn up the heat to suit your crowd.

I usually finish my chili dogs with plenty of sharp cheddar and a handful of diced red onion, but don't stop there. Mustard, pickled jalapeños, coleslaw, or even relish all make great toppings!

Can you make the chili ahead of time?

Definitely. This chili will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat and you're ready to go. You can also freeze the chili for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you have extra chili, it's also delicious on hamburgers and nachos.

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Ingredients

Chili

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, finely diced
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard

For Serving

  • 8 all-beef hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns (such as potato buns), toasted
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

Directions

    1. Step 1For the chili: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add half the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Reserve the remaining onion for serving.
    2. Step 2Add the beef and garlic to the skillet and cook, breaking up the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne and cook until the spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard, reduce the heat to low, and stir to combine. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, about 15 minutes. Keep the chili warm on the stove over low heat while you prepare the hot dogs.
    3. Step 3For serving: To assemble the chili dogs, heat through the hot dogs using your preferred method (in simmering water, seared in a pan with 1 to 2 tablespoons butter, or on a grill). Place the hot dogs in the buns and top with a generous scoop of chili. Garnish with some cheddar and as much or as little of the reserved onion as you like.

Love this recipe? Try one of these next!

  • Chipotle Chili Dogs
    35 mins
  • Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
    20 mins
  • Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
    35 mins
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