Introduction
Chili dogs are a classic indulgence that combine the heartiness of grilled sausages with a rich, flavorful chili sauce. Perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or a comforting meal at home, these chili dogs are sure to please both adults and kids alike. This article outlines a delicious recipe for chili sauce made with ground beef and a variety of spices, perfectly complementing smoked sausages served in fluffy hot dog buns.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chili Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
– 8 smoked sausages (e.g., kransky, bratwurst)
– 8 hot dog buns
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Finely chopped red onion
– Yellow mustard
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and preparation details, you can create delicious chili dogs that are sure to impress. Enjoy the combination of warming spices, the savory taste of grilled sausages, and the toppings that bring it all together!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chili Sauce
– Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
– Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
– Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
– Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
– Mix in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
– After 1 hour, uncover and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
– For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili sauce, leaving some texture.
Prepare the Sausages
– While the chili sauce is simmering, grill or pan-fry the smoked sausages over medium heat until heated through and slightly charred.
Assemble the Chili Dogs
– Place each grilled sausage into a hot dog bun.
– Spoon a generous amount of the chili sauce over each sausage.
– Top with shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and a drizzle of yellow mustard.
Serve
– Serve the chili dogs immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Notes
Chili Sauce Adjustments
– Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
– Consider serving with coleslaw or potato chips for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
– Leftover chili sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezing Instructions
– The chili sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and cook chopped onions until softened. This technique builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Minced garlic
Adding minced garlic after the onion allows it to cook briefly, enhancing the aroma and flavor without burning.
Browning meat
Cook the ground beef on medium-high heat until browned. This step adds depth to the dish through the Maillard reaction.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce heat to low, allowing flavors to meld over time while the sauce thickens.
Immersion blending
Using an immersion blender can create a smoother sauce while retaining some texture. Blend to your desired consistency.
Grilling sausages
Grill or pan-fry the smoked sausages to achieve a slightly charred exterior, enhancing their flavor and presentation.
Assembling chili dogs
Place grilled sausages in buns, layer with chili sauce, and finish with toppings like cheese and onion for a balanced dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the chili sauce?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives can be used for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve with chili dogs?
Chili dogs pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a side salad.
How can I store leftover chili sauce?
Store the chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make the chili sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors often improve when made a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the chili sauce?
Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your taste. You can also add or reduce the chili powder for a milder or spicier flavor.
Conclusion
This Chili Dog recipe is a perfect fusion of flavors, featuring a rich, homemade chili sauce served over grilled sausages. The combination of spices and sauces creates a savory, slightly sweet chili that elevates the humble hot dog into a gourmet treat. Whether for a casual gathering or a game day feast, these chili dogs are sure to impress.
Chili Cheese Fries
Serve the chili sauce over crispy fries and top with melted cheese and chopped onions for a delicious twist.
Chili Nachos
Use the chili sauce as a topping for tortilla chips, adding shredded cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a satisfying snack.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine the chili sauce with cooked rice and use it as a filling for bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender for a hearty meal.
Chili Mac
Mix the chili sauce with cooked pasta and cheese for a comforting one-pot dish reminiscent of classic macaroni and cheese.
Chili Quesadillas
Spread the chili sauce onto tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, fold, and grill until crispy for a flavorful quesadilla.
Chili Soup
Thin the chili sauce with additional beef broth to create a warming soup. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with the chili sauce, cheese, and green onions for a satisfying and filling meal.
