Chili Cheese Dog

Here’s a classic Chili Cheese Dog recipe that’s hearty, cheesy, and messy in the best way

🌭 Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 beef hot dogs (or your favorite)

• 4 hot dog buns

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ small onion, finely diced (optional)

• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for spice)

For the Chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ lb ground beef (or turkey)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ cup kidney beans or pinto beans (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Chili:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.

   • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

   • Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.

   • Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, beans (if using), salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

2. Cook the Hot Dogs:

   • Grill, pan-fry, or boil the hot dogs until heated through and slightly charred for extra flavor.

3. Assemble the Chili Dogs:

   • Place hot dogs in buns.

   • Spoon hot chili over each hot dog.

   • Sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese.

   • Add diced onions and jalapeños if desired.

4. Melt the Cheese (optional):

   • Place assembled chili dogs under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

🔥 Serving Tip: Serve with fries or onion rings on the side. A drizzle of sour cream or a squirt of mustard can add an extra layer of flavor.

Would you like me to also give you a baked chili cheese dog casserole version (like a party-style dish in one pan)?