Game On with Chili Cheese Dogs

No matter which team you are cheering for, it's all about the food and the camaraderie. Classic Chili Dogs are easy to make, fun to eat, and great for any get-together. Cook your hot dogs just the way you like, then load ’em up with a hearty homemade chili and your favorite toppings,

Cook's Notes: 

I found these containers with wax papers and matching napkins at Hobby Lobby. I thought they were perfect for serving game-day foods instead of using paper plates. 20 come in a pack. 

Bonus: reimagine this recipe by adding pinto and kidney beans (rinsed and drained) for a comforting bowl of chili. Add more broth if using the recipe strictly for chili. 

Adapted from Southern Living, September 2026. It makes enough for 10 chili dogs or 6 bowls of chili. If possible, make this recipe the day before so the flavors can meld. If the mixture is too thick, add more broth.  

I used all-beef Ball Park hot dogs and buns. Grill hot dogs ahead.  

Chili-Cheese Dogs

Spice Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 tablespoons chili powder 
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 

Chili Ingredients:   

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. ground chuck
• 1 small Vidalia, chopped (about one cup) 
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 
• 2 (15-oz.) cans diced crushed tomatoes with oregano, undrained  
• 1 cup ketchup
• All-beef hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
•  Topping suggestions: diced red onions, sliced jalapeño chiles, yellow banana peppers

Spice Directions:

• Mix with a small whisk and set aside. 

Chili Cheese Dog Directions:

• Add olive oil to a large frying pan and heat. Crumble the meat and add it to the frying pan with the onions and garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the grease and recrumble the meat into small pieces in the frying pan.  
• Sprinkle meat mixture with spices.
• Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, crushed tomatoes, and ketchup. Cook on low heat uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Grill hot dogs. Place one in each bun. Spoon meat sauce over the hot dog.
  
  Add your preferred toppings and shredded cheese. 
• Serve Chili Dogs immediately.
  
  

Note: If making the chili mixture to serve in a bowl, follow the same steps, except add one can of drained kidney and 1/2 can pinto beans to the meat mixture.