Print

Hot Dog Chili Station for Game Day

Hot Dog Chili Station - featured image
Print Recipe

This Hot Dog Chili Station is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for football parties, featuring a rich, savory chili and a customizable toppings bar. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it turns classic hot dogs into a fun, interactive meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or turkey)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 12 all-beef hot dogs (or veggie dogs)
  • 12 hot dog buns (classic, brioche, or pretzel)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1 cup coleslaw (optional)
  • Yellow mustard
  • Ketchup
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and ground pork for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Mix in tomato paste, stirring until it coats the meat and onions.
  4. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir well.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If chili thickens too much, add a splash more broth.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. While chili simmers, bring a medium saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Add hot dogs and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through, or grill hot dogs over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, turning until lightly charred.
  9. Warm buns in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or wrap in foil and place on the grill for 2 minutes.
  10. Set up the chili station: Transfer chili to a slow cooker on ‘warm’ or keep in the pot on low heat. Arrange toppings in small bowls with spoons or tongs.
  11. Arrange hot dogs and buns on a platter near the chili. Keep napkins and plates handy.
  12. Invite guests to build their own hot dog masterpieces with chili and toppings.
  13. Prep toppings a day ahead and store in airtight containers if desired. Chili can be made ahead and reheated.

Notes

Prep toppings the night before for easy assembly. Chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day. Use gluten-free buns for GF guests and plant-based cheese/sour cream for dairy-free. For extra chili coverage, slit hot dogs lengthwise. Keep cold toppings refrigerated until serving. Chili can be kept warm in a slow cooker during the party.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot dog chili, game day, football party, chili station, crowd-pleaser, easy chili, party food, customizable, toppings bar, comfort food

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/hot-dog-chili-station-for-game-day-7-easy-savory-football-party-ideas/