Nothing says classic American comfort food quite like a Chili Dog—especially when it’s served up for a laid-back Labor Day cookout. This crowd-pleasing favorite features juicy hot dogs tucked into soft buns and generously topped with rich, savory chili and melty cheese. Perfect for backyard gatherings, game days, or casual family meals, this Chili Dog Recipe delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or keeping it classic for a holiday cookout, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 chili dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water (as needed for consistency)
- 6 all-beef hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
- Yellow mustard, for serving (optional)
Tip: For authentic chili dog flavor, avoid adding beans—traditional chili dog chili is smooth, meaty, and spoonable.
Directions
- Make the chili:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed. - Build flavor:
Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. - Simmer:
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add water a little at a time until the chili reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Cook the hot dogs:
While the chili simmers, grill or boil hot dogs according to preference. Lightly toast buns if desired for extra texture. - Assemble:
Place hot dogs into buns. Spoon warm chili generously over each hot dog. - Finish and serve:
Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, and mustard if desired. Serve immediately.
Best Practice: Keep chili warm on low heat when serving a crowd—it thickens slightly and stays easy to spoon.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
Conclusion
This Chili Dog Recipe is a Labor Day essential—easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you keep it classic or pile on your favorite toppings, these chili dogs bring nostalgic flavor and crowd-friendly appeal to any holiday spread. Serve them alongside chips, coleslaw, or corn on the cob, and enjoy a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
