Varsity Chili for Hot Dogs

Transform your backyard cookout or game-day spread with this bold and flavorful Varsity Chili for Hot Dogs! This hearty chili is packed with savory ground beef, aromatic spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, and just the right amount of heat, creating the perfect topping for your favorite hot dogs. A time-tested combination of tomato paste, beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives it a rich, velvety texture, while ingredients like finely diced onions and a hint of sugar add depth and balance. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is both quick and versatile, whether enjoyed as a classic hot dog topping or spooned over fries for a chili lover's dream. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this chili is easy to make ahead and pairs beautifully with all your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well to coat the beef and onions. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine and create a rich base for the chili.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 6

Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the chili to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you want a looser chili, you can add a splash of beef broth.

Step 7

If desired, stir in the hot sauce for an added kick of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Remove the chili from heat and let it cool slightly before spooning it over hot dogs. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or pickled jalapeños.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(935.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1195.4

Total Fat 82.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 301.1mg	0%
Sodium 2769.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 84.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 164.3mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 2188.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.9%

Protein: 27.3%

Carbs: 12.8%