Chili Cheese Dogs
Quick and cheesy comfort food! These easy chili cheese dogs use shortcut seasoning and canned tomatoes for a fast, flavour-packed meal.
If you’re after a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal fuss, these Chili Cheese Dogs are just the thing.
The chili comes together quickly with lean ground beef, a can of crushed tomatoes, and a shortcut taco seasoning that brings instant flavour – no need to spend hours simmering. It’s thick, savoury, and just spicy enough to make things interesting.
Piled onto juicy hot dogs and topped with cheddar cheese, it’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual get-togethers.
Tips for the BEST Chili Cheese Dogs
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Hot Dogs: Use your favourite brand – Jumbos, classic beef, all-beef, or plant-based sausages all work here.
- Buns: Pretzel buns add extra flavour and texture, but regular hot dog buns or brioche buns are great alternatives.
- Lean Ground Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince can be swapped in with similar results.
- Crushed Tomatoes: One standard can adds body and flavour. You could use passata or diced tomatoes if needed—just simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Tomato Paste: This boosts the richness of the chilli. If you don’t have any, you can add a splash of ketchup as a shortcut (though it’ll be a little sweeter).
- Taco Seasoning: A great shortcut for flavour. Use a store-bought packet or a homemade mix of chilli powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle bite to the hot dog. Yellow or white onion also works, or skip it entirely if you’re in a hurry.
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
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Chili Cheese Dogs
Yields: 6 Servings | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 lb (about 500g) lean ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½ to 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, to taste
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Prepare the Chilli Topping:
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the taco seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavourful.
- Cook the Hot Dogs:
- While the chili simmers, cook the hot dogs by boiling, pan-frying, or grilling until heated through.
- Assemble:
- Lightly toast the hot dog buns if desired.
- Place a hot dog in each bun, spoon over a generous amount of the beef chilli, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, optionally with extra cheese, diced red onion, or jalapeños. A quick pop under the grill will melt the cheese nicely.
Chili Cheese Dogs
Quick and cheesy comfort food! These easy chili cheese dogs use shortcut seasoning and canned tomatoes for a fast, flavour-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 lb (about 500g) lean ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2½ to 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, to taste
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the taco seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavourful.
- While the chili simmers, cook the hot dogs by boiling, pan-frying, or grilling until heated through.
- Lightly toast the hot dog buns if desired.
- Place a hot dog in each bun, spoon over a generous amount of the beef chilli, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately, optionally with extra cheese, diced red onion, or jalapeños. A quick pop under the grill will melt the cheese nicely.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1 Hot DogAmount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 1047mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 15g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
