Thelma'S Hot Dog Chili
A hearty, spicy hot dog chili with rich tomato flavor and bold spices, perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or serving over baked potatoes; appeals to chili lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 lb. ground beef or ground pork, turkey or deer ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 heaping Tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain off the grease.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir well.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 hours or longer, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the chili mix. If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or deer meat can be great substitutes for beef. Adjust the chili powder for desired spice levels, and don't hesitate to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika for extra depth. This recipe is versatile, similar to other American recipes that feature hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili over hot dogs for a classic treat, or use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Famous Company Casserole for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thelma'S Hot Dog Chili contains roughly 1325 calories, with 61g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1312mg per serving (57% 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 use canned chili instead of fresh ingredients?
While you can use canned chili as a shortcut, making it from scratch allows for more control over flavors and seasonings. Fresh ingredients will yield a brighter taste and a better texture, enhancing the overall experience of this dish.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for added depth, and keep the spices to maintain the chili flavor profile.
What toppings work well with this chili?
Common toppings for chili include shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat. Experiment with toppings to find your favorite combination that complements the rich flavors of the chili.
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).