Hot Dog Chili

Hot Dog Chili has the perfect texture and taste to top your hot dogs. This great hot dog sauce comes together in under 15 minutes and is a breeze to make with simple ingredients like vegan ground beef, tomato sauce and fantastic seasonings. A bean-less chili that the whole family and even the pickiest eaters will love in no time. It is seriously great even on hamburgers or a sandwich, for your pasta like a Spaghetti Sauce or with fries like my Fry Sauce. 

The difference between Hot Dog Chili and traditional chili

Once you take the first bite from my Hot Dog Chili, you will notice a slightly sweeter taste.

I find this is seriously what sets the recipe apart from other more traditional chilis like my Chipotle Chili, the Black Bean Chili, or even my Vegetarian White Chili. They all have a heartier flavor and are definitely more spicy. 

In this recipe, the amazing touch of sweetness is made from a combination of ketchup and brown sugar and compliments the other savory flavors perfectly.

Why you need to make this Hot Dog Chili

Not only does this chili taste great on hot dogs, over pasta or fries – it is so versatile you can even just have it on its own.

Cumin, smoked paprika and chili flakes add a lot of flavor and make this hot dog sauce truly wonderful.

For sweetness: brown sugar and ketchup really take it to another level.

What you need for this Hot Dog Chili recipe

Vegan ground beef gives this chili its hearty and meaty texture. This is such a delicious ingredient for chili and so versatile. I also like to use it in casseroles like in this Cowboy Casserole. 

Olive oil – but any other oil like canola, sunflower will work great here, too.

Onions – just make sure you dice them fresh. 

Garlic – adds so much flavor and makes everything taste so good

Mustard is important to add a bit of tanginess to the chili.

Ketchup boosts the tomato flavor even more and of course has a little hint of sweetness which is amazing.

Smoked paprika adds a smoky, deep and rich flavor to the Hot Dog Chili.

Chili flakes – This is a chili recipe after all so we need a little bit of heat. Instead of flakes, chili powder will also work great.

Cumin adds a warming flavor with a nutty element. I like to use this seasoning also for potatoes as my Bombay Potatoes.

Brown sugar adds sweetness and also a lightly caramel note.

Tomato sauce – I like to use tomato sauce, any will work great. If you want a bit more texture you can also use diced tomatoes.

How to make Hot Dog Chili

In a casserole heat oil, and fry the diced onions in it for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the vegan ground beef with pressed garlic and continue cooking for around 3 minutes. It should be just beginning to brown.

Now, give the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, paprika, chili flakes, and cumin to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and let the chili simmer for 6 minutes more.

The Hot Dog Chili is now ready and you can serve it over your hot dogs.

How to freeze Hot Hog Chili

Leftovers will be good in the fridge for around 4 days. For freezing, let the Hot Dog Chili cool completely and transfer to a freezer-friendly container.  It will last for 3 months.

Tips and tricks:

You can easily make a double or triple batch and freeze it for later. It will save you a good amount of time.

Make it advance it will reheat great so you have it in hand for hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers or just a big bowl on its own.

For more heat: you can add more chili flakes or chop up some jalapenos.

Other great sauces you need to try

• Bang Bang Sauce
• Chipotle Sauce
• Cajun Sauce

Try this seriously so good and amazing Hot Dog Chili, share your remakes on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.