Rich Hot Dog Chili

$- 4 beef hot dogs, chopped - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth - Shredded cheese, for serving (optional) - Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional) Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Rinse and drain the kidney and black beans in a colander. This helps remove excess sodium. For the diced tomatoes, you can use canned or fresh. Canned saves time, but fresh adds a nice touch. You can switch the ground turkey for lean ground beef if you prefer. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat crumbles. For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you don’t have olive oil, any cooking oil will work. You can also skip the cheese and green onions for a lighter dish. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Next, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell wonderful! Now, stir in the ground turkey or beef. Cook it for six to eight minutes. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely. Once the meat is browned, add the chopped hot dogs. Stir them in and cook for three to four minutes. Let them get a bit brown too. Then, it's time to add the spices! Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let these spices cook with the meat for about two minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Add the rinsed kidney and black beans next. Stir everything together until mixed well. Bring this mixture to a simmer. After that, reduce the heat to low. Let the chili cook for about 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering time helps all the flavors come together. Before serving, taste it and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Enjoy your rich hot dog chili! To enhance the richness of your chili, consider adding a splash of red wine. It gives depth and a nice touch. You can also try using more hot dogs or a mix of meats. The more flavors, the better! For a creamier texture, stir in some sour cream just before serving. It adds a lovely tang that balances the spices. Spices are key to a great chili. Don’t be afraid to adjust them! If you want a kick, add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go. If the chili feels flat, a pinch of sugar can brighten the flavors. Always have salt and black pepper handy to fine-tune the taste. Serve your chili hot in bowls. Top it with shredded cheese and sliced green onions for a pop of color. If you like crunch, add tortilla chips on the side. They pair perfectly with the warm chili. You can also serve it over rice or in a bun for a fun twist. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian or vegan hot dog chili. Instead of beef, use lentils or mushrooms for texture. Replace the hot dogs with plant-based ones. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps the chili hearty and flavorful without meat. If you want to switch up the meat, try ground chicken or pork. You can also mix meats for a richer taste. Using a mix of turkey and beef gives a nice balance. This chili works well with any ground meat you prefer. Toppings can make your chili unique and fun. Try adding crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Sliced jalapeños can give it a spicy kick. You could also add avocado slices for creaminess. Don't forget about sour cream or yogurt for a cool finish. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the flavors too. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite! Storing leftover chili is simple. First, let the chili cool down. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it again. If you want to keep chili longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the bags tightly and label them. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your chili, use a pot on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium until it is hot. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Place the chili in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir between heating to ensure even warming. Enjoy your rich hot dog chili just like the first day! To thicken hot dog chili, you can let it simmer longer. This helps reduce liquid. You can also mash some beans against the pot's side. This adds thickness without changing the flavor. If you want a quicker option, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into your chili, then heat until it thickens. Yes, you can make hot dog chili in a slow cooker. Start by browning the meat in a pan. This step adds more flavor. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker gives the flavors time to blend perfectly. To spice up your chili, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also include hot sauce for an extra kick. Another option is to mix in some cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for your taste. This article covered how to make tasty hot dog chili. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect spice balance. I shared ideas for variations, from vegetarian options to fun toppings. Lastly, I explained how to store and reheat your chili for future meals. Enjoy your delicious creation and don’t be afraid to get creative. Making great chili is fun and satisfying!$

Get ready to savor a bowl of Hearty Hot Dog Chili that will warm you from the inside out! This easy-to-follow recipe combines beef hot dogs with ground turkey, kidney beans, and spices for a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy nights or game day gatherings, this chili is loaded with flavor and sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!

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Ingredients

4 beef hot dogs, chopped

1 pound ground turkey or beef

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Shredded cheese, for serving (optional)

Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks.

Add the chopped hot dogs to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the hot dogs are slightly browned.

Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook with the meat for about 2 minutes to enhance their flavors.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, then add the kidney and black beans, stirring everything together.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the chili in bowls, topped with shredded cheese and sliced green onions for an appetizing look. Add tortilla chips on the side for some extra crunch!