Hot Dog Chili Recipe | Low Carb Homemade Hot Dog Chili

When it comes to classic comfort food, few things can beat the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a delicious hot dog topped with flavorful chili. Enjoy an easy and mouthwatering recipe for low carb hot dog chili that will satisfy your cravings without derailing your dietary goals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast. Homemade hot dog chili comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or last-minute cookouts.
• Easy. With simple ingredients and one pot, you can whip up a rich, flavorful chili without any complicated steps or fancy equipment.
• Low Carb. This recipe skips the beans and added sugars, giving you all the hearty flavor of chili while keeping it keto- and low-carb-friendly.
• High Protein. Made with plenty of ground beef, this chili is satisfying and filling, giving your hot dogs a delicious, protein-packed topping.

This flavorful chili is packed with aromatic spices, a rich tomato base, and the satisfying taste of well-seasoned ground beef. It's a perfect addition to your low carb meal plan and an excellent way to elevate your hot dog experience. Enjoy this guilt-free treat and savor every delicious bite!

What Is The Difference Between Hot Dog Chili And Regular Chili?

Hot dog chili and regular chili are two distinct dishes with notable differences in their ingredients, flavors, textures, and intended uses. Hot dog chili, specifically crafted as a topping for hot dogs, typically features ground beef, subtle spices, and a tomato-based sauce. Its milder flavor profile is designed to complement the hot dog without overpowering it, and its smooth texture adheres well to the hot dog.

In contrast, regular chili is a hearty stew known for its bold and complex flavors. It is a mixture of ingredients like ground or cubed beef, chili peppers, beans, onions, and a blend of robust spices. This chili's chunky texture offers a satisfying and filling meal on its own or paired with accompaniments like rice or cornbread.

While hot dog chili is tailored for enhancing hot dog flavor, regular chili stands as a stand-alone dish celebrated for its savory, spicy, and sometimes smoky taste.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil- Used to sauté the onions and garlic and to help brown the ground beef evenly. The oil adds a touch of richness and helps develop the base flavors of the chili.
• 1/2 cup onion- Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili. As it cooks down, the onion enhances the savory notes and forms part of the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons garlic- Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and spices. Garlic gives the chili warmth and depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder- Brings the signature chili flavor with a mild heat and smokiness. It infuses the sauce with a classic, robust taste that ties all the spices together.
• 1 tablespoon cumin- Adds earthy, slightly nutty undertones that deepen the flavor of the chili. Cumin enhances the meaty richness and makes the sauce more complex and satisfying.
• 1 teaspoon paprika- Gives the chili a subtle sweetness and vibrant red color. Paprika also adds mild warmth without overpowering the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon oregano- Provides a hint of herbal flavor that balances the spice and acidity of the tomato sauce. It adds a savory layer typical of traditional chili seasonings.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne- Introduces a gentle heat that builds as the chili simmers. It adds just enough spice to give the chili a little kick without making it overwhelming.
• 1 cup beef broth- Serves as the liquid base, helping to thin the chili to the right consistency while infusing it with rich, meaty flavor. It keeps the sauce smooth and cohesive.
• 2 cups tomato sauce- The main body of the chili. Tomato sauce gives the dish its tangy, savory foundation and helps the flavors meld together as it simmers.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste- Adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. It gives the chili a deeper color and enhances the richness of the tomato base.
• 1 pound ground beef- The star ingredient that makes this hot dog chili hearty and flavorful. As it cooks, the beef absorbs the spices and tomato base, creating a thick, meaty topping perfect for spooning over hot dogs.

How To Make Hot Dog Chili

1. Brown the Ground Beef- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Season and Spice- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. These spices will infuse the beef with rich, smoky flavors.
4. Tomato Base- Add the low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer and Thicken- Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld and the chili to thicken. If you find it too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Season to Taste- Season the chili with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Adjust the cayenne pepper for spiciness.
7. Serve and Enjoy- Ladle the low carb hot dog chili over your favorite cooked hot dogs.

Tips And Tricks

Creating delicious hot dog chili requires a balance of flavors and a focus on enhancing the overall hot dog experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best chili possible:

• Season Gradually. Start with a small amount of spices and seasonings, then adjust gradually to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but it's difficult to remove excess salt or heat once it's added.
• Simmer for Flavor. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for a while after adding the ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste.
• Make Ahead. Hot dog chili often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating it before serving.

Variations

Creating low carb hot dog chili doesn't mean sacrificing flavor and variety. Here are some delicious variations to explore:

• Spicy Chipotle Chili- Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Creamy Avocado Chili- Mash ripe avocado and stir it into the chili for a creamy texture and mild avocado flavor. Top with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
• Tex-Mex Chili- Add cumin, coriander, and a touch of cocoa powder for depth of flavor. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.

What To Eat With This Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Hot dog chili is a versatile and flavorful topping that pairs well with various side dishes and accompaniments--not just hot dogs. Here are some tasty options to enjoy with it:

• Hot Dogs- Of course, the classic combination is to serve hot dog chili over grilled or boiled hot dogs. This creates a delicious and satisfying main dish. Skip the bun or use a keto-friendly variety to keep it low carb.
• Grated Cheese- Sprinkle some grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese over your chili-topped hot dog for a creamy and savory contrast.
• Pickles- Adding dill pickle slices to your hot dog chili can provide a refreshing and tangy element.
• Side Salad- Serve your chili dog with a side salad to add some veggies to your meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Generally, homemade hot dog chili can last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze It?

If you have a larger batch of hot dog chili that you won't be able to consume within a few days, consider freezing it. Hot dog chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Divide it into portions and store it in airtight freezer-safe containers.

When you're ready to use the frozen chili, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it thoroughly before enjoying it again.

More Low Carb Favorites

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Big Mac Salad
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Creamy Chicken Salad
• Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.