Tailgate Chili Dog Bar (Print Version)
Juicy beef franks with rich chili and colorful toppings create a fun and satisfying filling meal.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Beef Franks & Buns
01 - 8 beef franks
02 - 8 hot dog buns
→ Chili
03 - 1 lb ground beef
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Toppings Bar
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 1/2 cup diced red onions
17 - 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
18 - 1/2 cup chopped scallions
19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
21 - 1/3 cup yellow mustard
22 - 1/3 cup ketchup
23 - 1/4 cup relish
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the pot, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - While chili simmers, grill or pan-fry beef franks according to package directions until heated through and lightly browned on all sides.
05 - Warm hot dog buns briefly on the grill or in a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
06 - Arrange serving bowls with cheddar cheese, red onions, jalapeños, scallions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, mustard, ketchup, and relish for self-service topping.
07 - Place a cooked beef frank in each toasted bun. Ladle generous portions of chili over the top. Allow guests to customize with their preferred toppings from the bar.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Interactive dining that breaks the ice faster than a halftime commercial
- Make ahead chili means youre actually hanging out instead of stuck at the stove
02 -
- Chili thickens as it sits, so keep a splash of beef broth or water handy if reheating
- Cold toppings go directly onto hot chili for that perfect temperature contrast
03 -
- Sprinkle a little cheese directly on the bun before adding the frank—it creates a flavor barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy
- Put warm chili in a slow cooker on low to keep it hot throughout the game without scorching