Southern hot dog chili

This Southern Style Hot Dog Chili recipe brings together ground beef, savory spices, and a thick tomato base to create a delicious topping that complements your hot dogs without overpowering them. It’s perfect for backyard parties, potlucks, or any casual get together where people want to customize their own chili dogs. The key is a rich, beefy chili that stays thick and hearty but lets the flavor of the hot dog shine through.

I first made this during a family cookout and it instantly became a crowd favorite. Now whenever we have hot dogs, someone always requests this chili as the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

• Onion: adds sweetness and depth when sautéed look for firm, dry skinned onions
• Garlic: infuses a warm, aromatic flavor fresh cloves work best
• Ground beef: the base of the chili select 80/20 lean to keep it juicy without too much grease
• Chili powder: provides classic chili warmth choose a fresh batch for best flavor
• Sugar: balances acidity from the tomato paste and broth
• Cumin: adds earthiness and complexity use freshly toasted if possible
• Vegetable oil: for sautéing neutral flavor to let spices shine
• Cornmeal: thickens the chili naturally use fine ground for smooth texture
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors
• Worcestershire sauce: adds a savory depth
• Beef broth: for liquid and rich beef notes homemade or low sodium preferred
• Tomato paste: thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor opt for quality brands with no additives

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This step builds a rich flavor foundation for the chili.

Brown and Break Up the Beef:

Add ground beef to the pan and begin browning. As it cooks, use a potato masher or spatula to break the meat into very fine crumbles. This texture is essential for hot dog chili so it clings well to the hot dog. If the beef releases a lot of grease, carefully drain some off before proceeding.

Add Seasonings and Liquids:

Stir in chili powder, cumin, sugar, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine everything evenly. Adding the tomato paste here thickens the chili while the broth keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Simmer the Chili:

Lower the heat and let the chili simmer gently uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help combine flavors. Taste and adjust salt if needed at this point. If you prefer a thinner chili, add a little more broth a splash at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Finish with Cornmeal:

Sprinkle in cornmeal while stirring continuously. This absorbs excess moisture and thickens the chili into the perfect spoonable consistency. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to activate the cornmeals thickening power.

Serve Warm or Keep Warm in a Slow Cooker:

You can serve the chili immediately atop hot dogs or transfer the chili to a slow cooker set on warm for easy self serve at a party.

This recipe’s secret weapon is the cornmeal which makes the chili thick and clingy without any canned thickeners. One of my favorite moments was watching my nephew’s face light up as he stacked a chili dog piled high with this rich chili, sharp cheddar, and sweet cole slaw at our last family BBQ. It’s such a simple recipe but always steals the show.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef for a lighter option though the flavor and texture will differ. You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth but expect a less robust depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Dress up your chili dogs with shredded cheddar, diced onions, and pickled jalapeños. This chili also shines spooned over crispy tater tots or baked potatoes for a comforting twist.

This hot dog chili is quick and customizable, and it stays perfectly thick for topping. It’s a party favorite that reheats well and freezes nicely.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What makes hot dog chili different from regular chili?

Hot dog chili is thicker, uses finely ground meat, omits beans, and often features tomato paste instead of tomato chunks, creating a dense, flavorful topping.

→ Which ingredients create the base flavors in this chili?

Ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and spices like chili powder and cumin build the savory foundation.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of this chili?

Yes, adding diced jalapenos or green chiles allows you to easily increase the heat according to taste.

→ Is it suitable to keep this chili warm in a slow cooker?

While quick to make on the stovetop, the chili can be kept warm in a slow cooker for convenient serving at gatherings.

→ How do I store leftovers to maintain flavor and texture?

Store in an airtight container refrigerated up to five days, or freeze in sealed bags for up to three months without loss of quality.

→ Why is cornmeal added to the chili?

Cornmeal acts as a thickening agent to give the chili a rich, hearty consistency without altering flavor.