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Comforting Grilled Hot Dogs with Homemade Chili

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A quick and satisfying summer BBQ recipe featuring smoky grilled hot dogs topped with a rich, homemade chili made from simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 8 beef hot dogs (natural casing preferred)
  • 8 hot dog buns (brioche buns recommended)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions or scallions, yellow mustard or ketchup, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Add 1/2 cup water or beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until chili is thick and rich. Add water if too thick.
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let coals burn down to glowing orange with ash.
  8. Grill hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and heated through.
  9. Toast buns on grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned and warm.
  10. Assemble hot dogs by placing each in a toasted bun, spooning chili over the top, and adding optional toppings.
  11. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep chili simmering low and slow to avoid drying out. Stir occasionally. Avoid piercing hot dogs to keep them juicy. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Chili can be made ahead and flavors improve overnight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and check chili ingredients. For vegetarian, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled hot dogs, homemade chili, summer BBQ, easy recipe, quick dinner, backyard cookout, chili dogs

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/comforting-grilled-hot-dogs-with-homemade-chili-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbq/