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Flavorful Hot Dog Chili Recipe with Melted Cheddar Cheese Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy hot dog chili recipe featuring savory ground beef chili topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 standard size hot dogs (beef, pork, or turkey)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 g)
  • Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, mustard, or pickles

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Push beef to one side of the pan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the cleared space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the pan. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices if desired.
  6. Cook hot dogs by grilling, pan-frying, or boiling for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  7. Place cooked hot dogs in buns, spoon chili over each, and top with about 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Place assembled hot dogs under a broiler or in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Add optional toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or mustard. Serve immediately.

Notes

Brown ground beef in batches to avoid steaming and get a caramelized crust. Bloom spices in tomato paste for better flavor. Melt cheese under high heat just before serving for gooey texture. Chili tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot dog chili, melted cheddar cheese, quick chili recipe, easy chili dog, comfort food, backyard barbecue, weeknight dinner