A Summer Tradition
My Favorite is Ultimate Chili Dogs and When I think about summer, my mind drifts to the smell of sizzling sausages and the sound of laughter floating through the air. It all started at a backyard barbecue a few years ago when I first made these Ultimate Chili Dogs. I was inspired by the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington DC, and I wanted to recreate that same magic at home. With a blend of smoky sausages and thick, beefy chili sauce, I knew I had something special on my hands. As soon as those sausages hit the grill, I could tell this recipe was going to become a summer staple.
Perfecting the Chili Sauce
Making the chili sauce was a labor of love. I started by sautéing onions, garlic, and red bell peppers in olive oil until they were soft and fragrant. Then came the ground beef, browned to perfection, followed by tomato paste and my homemade chili powder mix. The real secret was the slow cooking—letting the flavors meld together over hours made all the difference. I remember tasting the sauce as it simmered and feeling a sense of pride. The thick, rich sauce that resulted was exactly what I was aiming for, and it was worth every minute of waiting.
Assembling the Chili Dogs
Once the chili sauce was ready, it was time to assemble the chili dogs. I preheated the oven and placed the hot dog buns on a baking sheet. Each bun received a grilled sausage, topped with a generous helping of mustard, finely chopped onions, and of course, that delicious chili sauce. Sprinkling shredded cheese on top and baking them until bubbly was the final touch. As they came out of the oven, the cheese was melted to perfection, and the aroma was simply irresistible. Watching my friends and family dig into those chili dogs made all the effort feel completely worthwhile.
A Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
Every time I make these Ultimate Chili Dogs, they become the highlight of any gathering. They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and good times. The combination of smoky sausages, spicy chili, and melted cheese always gets rave reviews. It’s become a tradition to serve them at summer BBQs and game days, and they never fail to impress. The best part? The leftovers—if there are any—are just as delicious. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just having a casual dinner, these chili dogs are always a hit and bring a bit of that DC magic right to your table.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Ultimate Chili Dogs
- For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked sausages like kransky or bratwurst. The richer the sausage, the better your chili dogs will taste.
- Adjust the thickness of the chili sauce to your preference. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
- Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the homemade chili powder mix. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- If grilling isn’t an option, pan-fry the sausages until they’re well-browned for a crispy texture on the outside.
- While Colby or Monterey Jack are great options, feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles for added crunch and a contrast of flavors. For a true BBQ experience, pair with a cold beer.
- The chili sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Ultimate Chili Dogs
4
chili dogs20
minutes3
hours30
minutes600
kcal3
hours50
minutesDive into the ultimate chili dog experience with our thick, molten beef chili sauce, slow-cooked to perfection! Inspired by the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington DC, this recipe uses smoked sausages for a rich, flavorful bite. Perfect for summer BBQs, game days, or any time you crave something seriously delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
- Homemade Chili Powder
3 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 medium onion finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon tomato paste
14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- Chili Dogs
6 smoked sausages (kransky, bratwurst, or half-smoke)
6 soft hot dog buns
1/2 white onion finely chopped
Yellow mustard (American style)
2 cups shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
Crinkle-cut potato chips (optional for serving)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Brown Beef – Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to remove the raw flavor.
- Assemble Chili Dogs – Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place hot dog buns on a baking sheet. Add a grilled sausage to each bun, top with mustard and finely chopped onion.
- Serve – Serve immediately with optional crinkle-cut potato chips and enjoy!
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- dutch oven
- silicone spatula set
- baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 600kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 25mg
FAQ- Ultimate Chili Dogs
Can I make the chili sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer a portion of the chili sauce to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
Can I substitute the beef with other meats?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausages and vegetable broth cubes.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free hot dog buns and ensure that the sausages are gluten-free. Also, check that the beef bouillon cubes you use are gluten-free.
What can I add to the chili for extra flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a few dashes of hot sauce. Fresh cilantro or green onions can also be sprinkled on top for extra freshness.
