Entree: United States – Classic Chili Cheese Dog

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 2 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 6 beef hot dogs, approx. 2.5 oz (70 g) each
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) yellow mustard (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes; add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper; simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, grill or pan-sear the beef hot dogs over medium-high heat until browned and heated through, about 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Place each hot dog in a bun, spoon generous amounts of chili over each, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and return to a warm oven or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
6. Finish with a squirt of mustard if desired and serve immediately.