Chili Hot Dogs

Name: Chili Hot Dog
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Ground Beef; AB's Burger Rub (See equipment); 2 tsp Chili Powder; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce; 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard; 2 tsp Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce; 8 Hot Dogs; 8 Hot Dog Buns; Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for topping); Red Onion (diced, for topping)

By Aaron BrownUpdated May 03, 2026

5 from 3 votes

No Comments

Servings: 4 people

1 hr 20 mins

Hey, everyone, it's your grill-master AB, and today I'm going to share one of my absolute favorites: Flavor-packed chili dogs. This is the perfect treat for any occasion, but it's especially great when you're firing up the grill. Whether you're serving them up for a game day, a backyard BBQ, or a quick dinner, this chili dog recipe is going to blow your mind. So, let's dive in and make this culinary masterpiece together!

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Three chili cheese hot dogs topped with chopped red onions, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese are arranged on a dark cutting board, featuring a homemade hot dog chili recipe. A bowl of shredded cheese and a seasoning container sit nearby.

Ingredients:
Step 1: Making the Chili
Step 2: Spice it up
Step 3: Building the Base
Step 4: Cook it down and Taste
Step 5: Grill the Perfect Dogs
Step 6: Assembly
Step 7: Savor Every Bite
Chili Hot Dog Recipe

Hey, everyone, it’s your grill-master AB, and today I’m going to share one of my absolute favorites: Flavor-packed chili dogs. This is the perfect treat for any occasion, but it’s especially great when you’re firing up the grill. Whether you’re serving them up for a game day, a backyard BBQ, or a quick dinner, this chili dog recipe is going to blow your mind. So, let’s dive in and make this culinary masterpiece together!

Ingredients:

For the Chili:

1 lb. Ground Beef
AB’s Burger Rub
2 Garlic Cloves
Chili Powder
Ground Cinnamon
W Sauce
Mustard
Chicken stock (for desired thickness)

For the Chili Dogs:

Hot dog buns
Beef franks
Sliced red onions
Mayonnaise (optional)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Green onions

Step 1: Making the Chili

A person wearing black gloves cooks ground meat in a large cast iron skillet on a stovetop, preparing a delicious hot dog chili recipe. A spatula stirs the meat while ingredients like garlic are visible on the wooden counter nearby.

We’re kicking things off with the star of our chili dogs – the chili! I like my chili smooth and velvety, so I start by finely breaking down a pound of ground beef in my trusty cast-iron skillet. Remember, the finer the better for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Spice it up

A person wearing black gloves sprinkles red spice over browned ground meat cooking in a cast-iron skillet—a key step in preparing a flavorful hot dog chili recipe, with utensils and ingredients arranged on the kitchen counter.

A person wearing black gloves sprinkles seasoning from a jar onto browned ground meat cooking in a cast-iron skillet, preparing homemade hot dog chili, with kitchen utensils and ingredients nearby on the stovetop.

A person wearing black gloves and a blue apron uses a garlic press over a skillet filled with seasoned ground meat for a hot dog chili recipe, holding a wooden spatula to catch the minced garlic. Various spices and ingredients are on the counter nearby.

Now, we get to the exciting part – the spices. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder and a pinch of cinnamon. Trust me, the hint of cinnamon is the secret weapon that elevates the flavor of your chili. Next, throw in 2 cloves of minced garlic to bring out that fantastic aroma.

Step 3: Building the Base

A person wearing black gloves pours tomato sauce from a can into a skillet with cooked ground beef, using a wooden spoon to stir. This step is perfect for starting a flavorful hot dog chili recipe in a cozy kitchen setting.

Ground beef sizzles in a cast iron skillet as a wooden spoon stirs, while yellow mustard is drizzled on top—perfect for your favorite hot dog chili recipe.

Now, it’s time to create the base for our epic chili. We’re adding 1 cup of roasted tomato sauce for that rich, savory kick. Don’t forget the 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard to add a zesty tang and W sauce. But wait, there’s more! To achieve your desired thickness, you can thin it out with chicken stock.

Step 4: Cook it down and Taste

A person sprinkles brown sugar over seasoned ground meat for a chili hot dog recipe in a black cast iron skillet, with a wooden spatula resting on the mixture. A cutting board and kitchen scale are visible in the background.

Simmer your chili to the desired thickness, and don’t forget to taste along the way. If you want a little extra sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar to round out the flavors. Adjust it to your liking because this chili is going to be the heart and soul of your chili dogs.

Step 5: Grill the Perfect Dogs

A person wearing a dark apron and black gloves arranges several chili hot dogs in a neat grid pattern on a round, red charcoal grill, holding more hot dogs in one hand.

A red charcoal grill with its lid open is cooking several chili hot dogs on skewers outdoors, with a swimming pool and greenery visible in the background.

Now, let’s talk about the dogs themselves. Fire up your grill and grill those beef franks to perfection. Don’t hesitate to get those perfect grill marks; they add a fantastic smoky flavor to your chili dog.

A hand points at several grilled Chili hot Dogs in a metal wire rack, resting on a cooling rack and baking sheet. The hot dogs are evenly charred, with kitchen items visible in the background.

Step 6: Assembly

Here’s where the magic happens. Take your hot dog buns and generously spread some mayonnaise inside. Then, insert that delicious grilled frank right into the bun.

Top it with the glorious chili you’ve made, and don’t be shy about it. Next, comes the shredded cheddar cheese, the red onions for a zing, and a sprinkle of green onions for that crisp freshness.

Step 7: Savor Every Bite

Now, you can’t resist any longer; it’s time to dig in. The crunch of the hot dog, the savory chili, the melted cheese, and the zesty toppings create a taste sensation like no other. Trust me; your taste buds will be forever grateful!

There you have it, folks – my flavor-packed chili dogs that will make your grill sessions legendary. Whether you’re new to my channel or a long-time subscriber, I appreciate your support. Remember to like, subscribe, and share this recipe with your fellow food enthusiasts. You can find the complete recipe details in the description below.

Thank you for joining me on this flavor-packed journey. We’re out, y’all! Peace.

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About AB

Aaron “A.B.” Brown, a self-taught culinary maestro, has carved his flavorful path into the hearts and kitchens of millions. With over 3.6 million devoted YouTube subscribers, he’s become a household name for those seeking culinary expertise.

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