Smoked Hot Dog Chili
On April 25, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A smooth, sweet-and-savory sauce with diced veggies and a homemade seasoning, this Smoked Hot Dog Chili will change the way you eat hot dogs.
Smoked Hot Dog Chili
Get ready to turn ordinary hot dogs into a mouthwatering, backyard masterpiece with this Smoked Hot Dog Chili! This isn’t your average hot dog topping. The combination of smoky flavor and tender ground beef alone is a must-try. When you factor in my tailor-made seasoning? You create a chili that brings big flavor without spilling everywhere.
In just about an hour, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you’ll create a hot dog sauce to use at backyard cookouts, game days, and casual family dinners.
The smoke takes this chili to the next level, creating an aroma and depth of flavor that will have everyone wondering where it’s been all this time. Serve it over grilled hot dogs with a sprinkle of cheddar and fresh green onions for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is hot dog chili?
No, we’re not making chili with chopped up hot dogs. This hot dog chili is a specially-formulated meat sauce designed just for topping hot dogs. It’s different from traditional bowl chili, which is typically chunkier with beans and thicker consistency. Hot dog chili features a smoother, slightly saucier texture that clings perfectly to hot dogs without overwhelming them. Or falling all over the place.
My version brings in unique flavors from a homemade chili seasoning and the smoker, adding a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spiced flavors makes this the ideal topping for a perfectly grilled hot dog.
Ingredients for this Recipe
This hot dog chili comes together with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The combination creates that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that will turn any hot dog into a gourmet experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15
- 1 yellow onion (divided use, diced)
- 1 orange bell pepper (or any color, diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 Tablespoons Homemade Chili Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
When you don’t have time to make your own seasoning, my Fiesta Rub is an awesome, ready-to-go option that delivers perfect chili flavor every time!
How to Make Hot Dog Chili
Now that you know everything you’ll need for this one-of-a-kind chili sauce, it’s time to get cookin’. Fire up the smoker, then follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the smoker. Set your favorite smoker to 275 degrees F with a mild wood, like a fruit wood.
- Heat the oil. In a large pot or cast-iron pan (that can be transferred to your smoker), heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
- Add the aromatics. Add in most of your chopped onions (reserve some for topping the hot dogs later) and bell peppers, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are slightly translucent and the peppers start to soften.
- Add the meat. Add in the ground beef and the garlic and cook for 3-5 more minutes, breaking apart the ground beef into very small pieces with your spoon or spatula. Unlike regular chili, you want fine, tiny crumbles for that perfect hot dog sauce consistency. Think more meat sauce than chunky chili. Work the beef thoroughly until you have a fine texture that will cling to your hot dogs without falling off.
- Add liquids and seasonings. Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the seasoning. Stir to thoroughly incorporate, then add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Smoke the chili. Place your smoker-friendly pan or skillet on the grates, close the lid, and smoke for 25-30 minutes. Everything is cooked, so you’re just adding smoky flavor that transforms this sauce into something extraordinary.
- Serve and enjoy. Spoon this velvety, smoky meat sauce over hot dogs and top with reserved diced onions and some finely-shredded cheddar cheese. The smooth texture means every bite delivers that perfect balance of flavor without the mess of traditional chili.
Ways to Enjoy Hot Dog Chili
This Smoked Hot Dog Chili is the perfect addition to any backyard cookout, tailgate party, or casual weekend gathering. Serve it as the star topping at a DIY hot dog bar where guests can build their own perfect chili dog with additional toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, and pickle relish.
This topping also tastes amazing on burgers, fries, and even baked potatoes. However you normally enjoy chili, give this recipe a try.
Storage and Reheating
This hot dog chili not only stores easily, it actually develops even deeper flavors overnight in the refrigerator. Allow any leftover chili to cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. When kept this way, your chili will last for up to 4 days.
For reheating, skip the microwave and instead warm it gently on the grill in a cast-iron skillet or pan, stirring occasionally until it warms over. If you’re firing up the smoker for another meal, place the chili alongside your meat for about 15-20 minutes to revive those beautiful smoky notes.
For longer storage, portion the chili in freezer-safe bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the smoker or on your stovetop.
More Chili Recipes
The smoky goodness doesn’t stop here! I’ve got hundreds of mouthwatering BBQ recipes just waiting for you to discover, including plenty more delicious chili variations that will have your taste buds dancing. From traditional smoked beef chili to white chicken chili and unique twists you won’t find anywhere else, there’s a chili recipe for every preference and occasion.
All these recipes and more are available at your fingertips in the Hey Grill Hey App, making it easier than ever to find your next BBQ masterpiece.
Easy Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Now it’s time for you to be a chili hero with this game-changing hot dog chili! Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below with a 5-star rating to let us all know how it turned out.
Don’t forget to snap some drool-worthy photos of your creation and share them on Facebook and Instagram with @heygrillhey. Your creations inspire our entire community! For more tips, techniques, and mouthwatering recipes, check out the Hey Grill Hey YouTube channel and subscribe for weekly barbecue inspiration.
Smoked Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15
- 1 yellow onion diced, divided use
- 1 orange bell pepper or any color, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup Homemade Chili Seasoning or Fiesta Rub, link to recipe in notes section
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Hot Dogs
- 8 jumbo all-beef hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- medium cheddar cheese shredded
- green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker. Set your favorite smoker to 275 degrees F with a mild wood, like a fruit wood.
- Heat the oil. In a large pot or cast-iron pan (that can be transferred to your smoker), heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- Add the aromatics. Add in most of your chopped onions (reserve some for topping the hot dogs later) and bell peppers, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are slightly translucent and the peppers start to soften.1 yellow onion, 1 orange bell pepper
- Add the meat. Add in the ground beef and the garlic and cook for 3-5 more minutes, breaking apart the ground beef into small pieces with your spoon or spatula. Cook until the ground beef is cooked through.1 pound ground beef, 3 cloves garlic
- Add liquids and seasonings. Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the seasoning. Stir to thoroughly incorporate, then add salt and pepper to taste, if needed.1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, ¼ cup Homemade Chili Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Smoke the chili. Place your smoker-friendly pan or skillet on the grates, close the lid, and smoke for 25-30 minutes. Everything is cooked, so you’re just adding smoky flavor.
- Serve and enjoy. Spoon over hot dogs and top with reserved diced onions and some finely-shredded cheddar cheese, and enjoy!8 jumbo all-beef hot dogs, 8 hot dog buns, medium cheddar cheese, green onions
Notes
- Make your own following the recipe here
- Purchase in the Hey Grill Hey Store here
- Make your own following the recipe here
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
