Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs Recipe That Sizzles

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty homemade chili for burgers and hotdogs that will make your taste buds dance.

Packed with robust flavors and rich spices, this chili delivers a mouthwatering punch to your favorite grilled classics.

Every spoonful tells a story of slow-simmered goodness and carefully balanced ingredients.

Meaty, zesty, and perfectly seasoned, this recipe transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

The secret lies in letting each ingredient meld together, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to juicy burgers and crisp hotdogs.

No store-bought topping comes close to the depth and warmth of this homemade chili.

Bring your grill game to the next level and watch as friends and family crave every last bite.

Why Homemade Chili for Burgers Stands Out

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Combine the richness of cheese, the boldness of garlic, and the softness of crescent dough for a mind-blowing taste experience that elevates your culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, add different herbs, or experiment with spice levels to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your family's preferences and taste buds.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Impress guests with these visually stunning and deliciously crispy cruffins that work beautifully as appetizers, brunch items, or game day snacks.
• No-Stress Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.

Ingredients Needed for Burger Chili Topping

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the foundation for this classic chili sauce.

• Ketchup, Tomato Soup, Water: These ingredients create a rich, smooth base with deep tomato flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Vinegar: Tangy condiments that add complexity and depth to the chili.

• Chili Powder: A spice mix that gives the sauce its signature warm and slightly spicy profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chili.
• Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy note to balance the other flavors.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce's flavor profile.

Steps for Cooking Burger Hotdog Chili Perfectly

Step 1: Brown The Meaty Base

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small, even pieces as it cooks.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and no pink remains visible.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Worcestershire sauce
• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Vinegar

Stir everything together, allowing the meat to absorb these rich, tangy flavors.

Step 3: Create Liquid Harmony

Pour in tomato soup and water, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent texture. This will help distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the chili.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Sugar

Stir carefully to ensure all spices are well incorporated and no clumps remain.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Depth

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chili simmer gently.

Allow it to cook for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld together.

Step 6: Final Touch And Serving

Once the chili reaches a thick, rich consistency, remove from heat.

Serve piping hot over burgers, hotdogs, or your favorite comfort foods. Enjoy the hearty, homemade goodness!

Notes for Classic Homemade Chili Fans

• Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture without excess grease.
• Keep the heat low and cover the pot to prevent moisture loss and develop deeper, richer flavors during cooking.
• Adjust chili powder and black pepper to your heat preference, adding more for extra kick or less for milder taste.
• Break down ground beef into small crumbles while cooking to ensure even distribution and a smoother chili consistency.
• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Swaps for Topping Chili With Different Meats

• Vegetarian Chili Topper: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that still packs rich flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder to amp up the heat and create a fiery burger companion.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium ketchup, omit added salt, and substitute low-sodium tomato soup to reduce overall salt content while maintaining delicious taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Verify all ingredients are gluten-free, especially Worcestershire sauce, and serve with gluten-free buns or hotdogs for those with wheat sensitivities.

Pairings for Burgers and Hotdogs With Chili

• Craft the Perfect Beer Match: Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the chili's rich meaty flavor and complements its tangy spices.
• Sidekick with Creamy Coleslaw: Add a refreshing, crunchy coleslaw with a light vinegar dressing to balance the chili's warmth and provide textural contrast on your burger or hotdog.
• Cool Down with Pickle Chips: Layer crisp, tart pickle chips directly onto the chili-covered protein to introduce a zesty, acidic punch that brightens the entire dish's flavor profile.

Storing Homemade Chili for Game Day

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power. Stir every 30 seconds until heated thoroughly and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until completely heated through.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from other chili recipes?

This chili is a quick, no-bean style topping perfect for burgers and hotdogs, using simple pantry ingredients and creating a flavorful sauce with ground beef.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can add more chili powder, include some cayenne pepper, or mix in hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this chili good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili freezes well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it great for quick meals and easy reheating.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture, which helps prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.

Best Homemade Chili For Burgers And Hotdogs Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty homemade chili brings bold southwestern flavors to burger and hotdog nights, elevating classic comfort foods with rich, meaty goodness. Spicy, robust ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting friends and family to savor each delicious, satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 (10 3/4 ounces) 305 grams can tomato soup
• 1 can water
• Sugar to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients including ground beef, mustard, vinegar, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato soup, water, salt, chili powder, and sugar in a large saucepan.
2. Thoroughly blend the mixture using a wooden spoon, ensuring all components are evenly distributed and no dry ingredients remain unincorporated.
3. Position the saucepan on the stovetop and activate medium-high heat, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous boil while stirring intermittently.
4. Once bubbling intensely, immediately reduce temperature to low, creating a gentle simmer.
5. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the chili slowly cook for approximately 60 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent bottom scorching and promote uniform flavor development.
6. After cooking time concludes, remove lid and assess consistency – the chili should appear thick and richly textured.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding minimal salt or pepper to enhance flavor profile.
8. Serve piping hot directly over burgers, hotdogs, or your preferred accompaniment, ensuring maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier condiments.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium ketchup and tomato soup, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian versions of the chili.
• Prep and store extra chili in freezer-safe containers for convenient meal prep, lasting up to 3 months when properly sealed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg