Dean'S Hot Dog Chili
Dean's Hot Dog Chili offers a hearty and flavorful topping with rich beef, sweet onions, and a smoky chili kick. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, this thick and savory chili pairs wonderfully with hot dogs or over baked potatoes, appealing to lovers of spicy, meaty comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and chop the onions.
- In a large pot, cover the onions with water and boil until they are soft and mushy.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, stirring to separate the meat.
- Add more water if necessary, and cook until the meat turns gray.
- Add the canned tomatoes, mashing them with a spoon.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Cook over low heat until the chili thickens, stirring often.
- Skim off any excess fat from the surface.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions in a bit of oil before boiling. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh ground beef with cooked ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the chili powder to your preference for heat, or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. For a thicker chili, allow it to simmer longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili over hot dogs for a classic experience, or use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Football Stew for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the chili has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dean'S Hot Dog Chili contains roughly 487 calories, with 19g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 813mg per serving (35% 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili can be made a day in advance and actually tastes better as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Dean's Hot Dog Chili?
This chili is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with cornbread, coleslaw, or a side of crispy fries. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes.
Can I freeze the chili for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the chili! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).