In my opinion there is almost nothing better than a good chili dog. Except, maybe finding out that you won the lottery while eating a good chili dog! Since my daughter shares that love of chili dogs, I decided to treat her to chili dogs on her birthday. Her favorite is served with cheese & onions and accompanied by sweet potato fries and tiny bottled Coca Cola. My husband is a chili & onion guy and I’m a chili & slaw kinda gal.
My recipe for hotdog chili is a take on Gus’ Hotdogs on 4th Avenue in Birmingham. It’s thick and garlicky, with a little kick of heat. Because the beef and onion are first mixed with water and then cooked, it gives this chili a softer feel. Since the process of mixing beef and onion with water ‘aint so cute on film, I’m going straight to the recipe 🙂
Hotdog Chili
enough for about 8 hot dogs
1lb ground chuck
1 cup grated onion, about 1 medium sized onion
1 cup water, divided
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 heaping teaspoon chili powder
1 heaping teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a bowl, thoroughly mix ground chuck, 1/2 cup water, and grated onion. Transfer to a heavy skillet and cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, and remaining water. When mixture begins to bubble, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
You know what is funny. Through this pregnancy so far I have been craving hot dogs. I mean I have always eaten hot dogs but never craved them and now its like every chance I get I want a hotdog! LOL! This chili sounds and looks fantastic! Perfect for hot dogs or hamburgers or just to eat by itself. simply that good
I love a good chili dog! They’re so, so good! I side with your daughter with the cheese on hers–extra on mine please! 🙂
I have been experimenting with hot dog chilis for my dad. He can’t handle heat and all of mine have come out a little too spicy for him. Still trying…..
Shawn, that is a *gorgeous* photo–nice camera work going on. I love a good chili dog, especially with slaw. Yum.
@Jessica…If you can tolerate hot & spicy, try this chili with your recipe for jalapeno slaw!
@Jihane…You and Alyson should be sisters! Actually, you both kinda look alike 🙂
@Katrina…I would make this one and use smoked paprika instead of the hot.
@Angela…Thanks, I’m trying hard on that photography thing…Nice to know someone else who appreciates a chili slaw dog!
Oh so yum! 3 kinds with sweet potato fries! I would love this for lunch or dinner!
Oh, I do love chili dogs. If you ever get to Marietta, GA, go to Brandy’s Hot Dogs…just a little hole in the wall place that has the best spicy chili dogs.
@Nami…Thanks! I hate to admit that I’ve eaten a chili dog for breakfast 🙂
@Lucy…Definitely, I’m between Birmingham and Atlanta at least twice a year. Thanks for the recommendation!