Print

Comforting Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Chili and Cheese

grilled hot dogs with homemade chili and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe featuring grilled all-beef hot dogs topped with a flavorful homemade chili and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 all-beef hot dogs
  • 8 soft hot dog buns (white or whole wheat)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (for grilling)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • Optional garnishes: diced onions, pickled jalapeños, yellow mustard, ketchup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Cook until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir and reduce heat to low.
  5. Simmer chili gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened but still saucy.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly brush hot dogs with olive oil.
  7. Grill hot dogs, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear and hot dogs are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. During the last minute, open buns and lightly toast them face down on the grill.
  9. Assemble hot dogs by placing grilled hot dogs in toasted buns. Spoon a generous amount of chili over each hot dog.
  10. Top immediately with shredded cheddar cheese to melt from the heat of the chili.
  11. Add optional garnishes like diced onions, jalapeños, mustard, or ketchup.
  12. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

If chili is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer uncovered. Use fresh garlic and onions for best flavor. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Cheese melts best when added immediately after chili. Leftover chili stores well in fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled hot dogs, homemade chili, cheese topping, comfort food, easy recipe, backyard barbecue, quick meal

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/comforting-grilled-hot-dogs-with-homemade-chili-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-perfect/