Skillet Hot Dog Chili Sauce is thick, meaty, smoky, and loaded with bold flavor that takes ordinary hot dogs to the next level. Slow-simmered ground beef, savory seasoning, tomato sauce, and a touch of Peppers of Key West hot sauce create the perfect balance of rich chili flavor with just enough heat. It is the ultimate topping for hot dogs, chili cheese fries, burgers, nachos, or cookout favorites when you want messy, classic comfort food packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
1/2 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup of chopped onion
1 pound of ground beef
4 tablespoons of Peppers of Key West Carolina Reaper Pepper Hot Sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons of Creole mustard
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 cup of Coca Cola, root beer, Dr Pepper, or plain water
1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon of Slap Ya Mama, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of allspice
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
Couple pinches of kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
Light grating of whole nutmeg, optional
1 (1 pound) package of hot dogs
1 package hot dog buns
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
Garnishes: Extra onion, chopped pickles, or pickle relish, extra mustard, ketchup
Instructions:
Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a medium sized skillet and add onion; cook until softened but not browned. Add the ground beef and cooked until browned, breaking the meat up. Drain and set aside.
To the same skillet, add the Peppers of Key West Carolina Reaper Pepper Hot Sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; stir in cola, root beer, Dr Pepper or water and sugar and blend well. Add the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, allspice, celery seed, salt and pepper. Grate about 3 passes on the micro plane of whole nutmeg into the sauce, if desired. Bring mixture up to a boil, add the meat, reduce and simmer for about 30 minutes on medium low.
Meanwhile grill the hot dogs. Brush the hot dog buns with a light layer of melted butter and toast on the upper rack of the grill. Place hot dog in a bun, top with the hot dog sauce, and garnish as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes hot dog chili different from regular chili?
Hot dog chili is usually smoother, thinner, and more heavily seasoned so it spreads easily over hot dogs and toppings.
Can I make skillet hot dog chili sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The flavor actually improves after resting, making it perfect for preparing ahead for parties or cookouts.
What hot dogs pair best with chili sauce?
Beef hot dogs grilled hot dogs, and smoked sausages all pair perfectly with rich homemade chili sauce.
Can I freeze hot dog chili sauce?
Absolutely. Store it in airtight containers and freeze for easy future meals and cookout prep.
What toppings go well with chili dogs?
Shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, mustard, and Peppers of Key West hot sauce all work perfectly with chili dogs.
