Cincinnati Chili Dogs
A classic Cincinnati Chili Dog recipe featuring a rich, savory chili sauce generously spooned over hot dogs and topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Grilling/Boiling/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) can water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Mustard (optional)
Instructions
- To make the Cincinnati-style chili: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better.
- Cook hot dogs according to package directions (grill, boil, or pan-fry).
- Place hot dogs in buns.
- Spoon a generous amount of Cincinnati-style chili over each hot dog.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Add mustard if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- The chili can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will deepen overnight.
- Consider serving with oyster crackers, as is traditional in Cincinnati.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili dog
Find it online: https://www.masterthecook.com/cincinnati-chili-dogs/