Southern Hot Dog Chili

This Southern Style Hot Dog Chili delivers all the rich beefy flavor you crave without overpowering the humble hot dog. Made without beans and using finely ground beef, it strikes the perfect balance so you can enjoy that classic chili dog taste every time. Whether you are serving it up at a backyard barbecue or just a weeknight dinner, this chili is straightforward, customizable, and deeply satisfying.

I first made this chili during a family cookout and was amazed how something so simple could be so flavorful. Now it's a go-to recipe anytime I'm hosting, and everyone always asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose fresh 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and flavor
• Onion: adds sweetness and depth, look for firm with no soft spots
• Garlic cloves: essential for that savory kick, use fresh for best aroma
• Chili powder: the backbone of the spice, pick a good quality blend with smoked notes if possible
• Sugar: balances acidity in the tomato paste and sharpness in the spices
• Cumin: earthy warmth that rounds out the chili flavor
• Vegetable oil: for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering taste
• Cornmeal: acts as a natural thickener, giving the chili its perfect consistency
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and helps bring out the beefy notes
• Worcestershire sauce: adds a subtle umami depth
• Beef broth: moistens and deepens the savory flavor
• Tomato paste: concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the chili perfectly

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes and builds the savory base. Add minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.

Brown and Break Up the Beef:

Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and garlic. As it begins to brown, use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break the meat into very fine crumbles. This step is key for the texture of hot dog chili, making every bite evenly meaty. Cook until no pink remains and some browning has developed to add depth of flavor.

Add Spices and Liquids:

If the beef released a lot of grease, carefully drain a bit from the pan. Then add chili powder, cumin, sugar, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine everything into a thick sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer on low heat.

Simmer and Thicken:

Sprinkle in the cornmeal gradually while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the chili simmer on very low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and the chili thicken to the perfect consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or spices if needed.

Keep Warm and Serve:

Once ready, transfer the chili to a slow cooker set on the warm setting if you are serving it over a longer time frame. This keeps the chili at the perfect temperature for guests to help themselves and enjoy chili dogs all day long.

My favorite ingredient has to be the Worcestershire sauce because it adds a subtle savory boost that somehow completes the whole flavor profile. It reminds me of family cookouts when the whole backyard would smell like this chili simmering on the stove.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to five days, making it easy to reheat for lunch or a quick dinner. For longer storage, portion it out into freezer-safe bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can work but the flavor will be milder, so consider adding extra spice. Beef broth can be replaced with chicken broth or vegetable broth if needed, though this will slightly alter the flavor. Vegetable oil may be swapped for olive oil or avocado oil, but keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the aromatics. If you want a spicier chili, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne powder when you add the spices.

Serving Suggestions

Chili dogs with this hot dog chili are classic and unbeatable topped with mustard, chopped onions, shredded cheddar, or even coleslaw for an authentic Appalachian twist. Try dolloping it over crispy tater tots or French fries for a quick chili cheese fry upgrade. This chili also makes an excellent baked potato topping or a hearty base for nachos at game day.

This hot dog chili is quick to make and highly adaptable for different tastes. Serve it warm over hot dogs, tater tots, or baked potatoes and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What makes this chili different from traditional versions?

This chili is thicker and contains no beans, with finely ground beef and tomato paste creating a rich, concentrated flavor ideal for topping hot dogs.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can add diced jalapenos or green chiles to increase the heat according to your taste preferences.

→ Is this chili suitable for slow cooking?

While it can be kept warm in a slow cooker, it's recommended to prepare it quickly on the stovetop for best flavor and texture.

→ What ingredients help thicken the chili?

Cornmeal is added as a natural thickener, but you can omit it if you prefer a thinner consistency.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze in air-tight bags for up to three months to maintain freshness.

→ What else can this chili be served with besides hot dogs?

It pairs well with baked potatoes, tater tots, and French fries, especially when topped with melted cheddar cheese for added richness.