Chili Dog Soup
A hearty, flavorful chili dog soup combining savory ground beef, sliced wieners, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for a comforting, casual meal with a cheesy, crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the sliced wieners, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, dry mustard, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally during simmering.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with grated cheese, chopped onions, and corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with lentils or plant-based crumbles. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference; try adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. This dish is perfect for using up leftover hot dogs or sausages from summer barbecues as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chili Dog Soup in bowls and top with grated cheese, chopped onions, and corn chips for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, you could serve it alongside the Hayride Kitchen Soup for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot, ensuring it doesn't splatter.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Dog Soup contains roughly 261 calories, with 17g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the Chili Dog Soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each option will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will all work well in this hearty soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat in this soup, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting to your desired spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).