Savory Southern Style Chili Dogs
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with these Savory Southern Style Chili Dogs! This recipe, inspired by traditional Carolina chili, features a mouthwatering chili made with extra lean ground beef simmered to perfection. The chili is packed with savory spices, tangy vinegar, and the rich goodness of tomato paste and ketchup. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a backyard barbecue, these chili dogs can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for any occasion. Enjoy them topped generously with the homemade chili, nestled in warm hot dog buns, for a classic comfort food experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot dogs
8 (n/a)
hot dog buns
8 (n/a)
extra lean ground beef
1 1/4 lbs (n/a)
chopped onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (n/a)
ketchup
1/2 cup (n/a)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (n/a)
cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar)
salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
To prepare the chili, choose a very lean ground beef to avoid greasiness, as the beef is not browned or drained in this recipe. In a 4 1/2-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the ground beef with 2 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the chopped onion to the pot. When the water returns to a boil, lower the heat to medium and stir the mixture to break up the meat.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly until the tomato paste is fully integrated and the meat is mostly crumbled.
4
Allow the chili to simmer at a slow boil, stirring every 5 minutes until the mixture thickens, approximately 15 minutes. If necessary, reduce the heat to medium-low or low to prevent sticking.
5
For a smoother consistency that adheres well to hot dogs, cool the chili for at least 20 minutes, then use a blender or food processor to blend until finely ground, about 30 to 45 seconds.
6
About 12 to 15 minutes before serving, preheat a gas grill to medium-high. Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook until heated through and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. If desired, warm the buns on the grill during the last couple of minutes.
7
To serve, place each grilled hot dog in a bun and generously top with the prepared chili.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Southern Style Chili Dogs?
These are a classic comfort food featuring a Carolina-inspired chili made with lean beef, savory spices, and a smooth texture served on grilled hot dogs.
How much ground beef is required for the chili?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of extra lean ground beef.
Why should I use extra lean ground beef?
Extra lean beef is used to avoid greasiness because the meat is boiled in water and not drained in this specific recipe.
What is the secret to the smooth consistency of the chili?
After simmering and cooling for 20 minutes, the chili is blended in a blender or food processor for 30 to 45 seconds.
How much water do I need to cook the meat?
You should combine the ground beef with 2 cups of water.
When do I add the onion to the pot?
Add the finely chopped onion once the beef and water mixture has reached a rolling boil.
What ingredients provide the tangy flavor in the chili?
The tanginess comes from a combination of tomato paste, ketchup, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer at a slow boil for approximately 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
How should I cook the hot dogs?
Preheat a gas grill to medium-high and grill the hot dogs for about 5 minutes until heated through and slightly charred.
Can I substitute the cider vinegar?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of distilled white vinegar as a substitute for cider vinegar.
How many hot dogs does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve 8 hot dogs and 8 buns.
What size of tomato paste is needed?
You will need one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How often should I stir the chili while it is simmering?
You should stir the mixture every 5 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
What should I do if the chili starts sticking to the pot?
If sticking occurs, reduce the heat to medium-low or low.
Is the black pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
How long should I warm the buns?
You can warm the buns on the grill during the last couple of minutes of the hot dogs' cooking time.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A 4 1/2-quart Dutch oven or a standard soup pot is recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for a game day event?
Yes, these chili dogs are an excellent choice for game day, barbecues, or family dinners.
How much ketchup is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of ketchup.
How much chili powder is added?
You should add 1 tablespoon of chili powder to the mixture.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
Combine the raw ground beef with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Do I need to brown the beef before boiling?
No, the beef is not browned or drained; it is added directly to the water to create the correct texture.
How long should the chili cool before blending?
It should cool for at least 20 minutes to reach a safe temperature for blending.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the texture of the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the pot.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the hot dogs and buns.
Is this considered a Carolina-style recipe?
Yes, the recipe is specifically inspired by traditional Carolina chili.
How do I serve the final product?
Place each grilled hot dog in a bun and top it generously with the prepared homemade chili.