Name: Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs with Homemade Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American

Cooking with Conks Verified

February 4, 2026

These chili cheese dogs with homemade no-bean chili are the ultimate comfort food! Made with brioche buns that are filled with hot dogs and smothered in a generous amount of homemade beef chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and optional jalapeños (if you like a spicy kick), there’s nothing basic about these chili dogs. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner and great for late summer potlucks.

Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs with Homemade Chili

Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs with Homemade Chili cover

From the Cook

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Ultimate Chili Cheese Dogs with Homemade Chili

Cooking with Conks Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Make the Homemade Chili

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and add the beef. Season with ½ tsp salt and a couple turns of black pepper. Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Add onions and peppers to the pot and season with ¼ tsp salt and cracked black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until slightly softened.

Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot.

Make a well in the center of the pot and add tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute and mix in with the meat and veggies.

Mix in the spices, brown sugar, and cocoa powder and cook 1-2 minutes.

Add in crushed tomatoes and broth, then bring the chili to a low boil.

Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 30-40 minutes.

Remove lid, skim off any fat from the top of the chili (optional but recommended if not using lean beef), and increase the heat to medium.

Whisk together cornstarch and 1 tbsp water and stir into the chili to thicken.

Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs

Heat up the hot dogs in a pan, oven, or on the grill, and warm up the buns in the oven or toaster oven. Then place the hot dogs in the buns.

Top each hot dog with a couple spoonfuls of chili, some shredded cheese, onions, and jalapeños, if using.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Chili Depth Hack 🥣
Add a small square of unsweetened dark chocolate or cocoa powder to your chili to create complex, rich undertones that elevate the flavor profile.
Bun Toasting Technique 🍞
Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them on a griddle or skillet for 30-45 seconds to create a crispy exterior that prevents soggy chili dogs.
Chili Thickening Secret 🥄
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to perfectly thicken your homemade chili without making it too heavy.
Flavor Layering Trick 🧄
Toast your dry spices in the pan for 30-60 seconds before adding liquid ingredients to unlock deeper, more intense flavor compounds in the chili.
Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
Grate your own cheddar cheese and add it while the chili is still hot, allowing it to melt naturally for a more creamy and integrated topping.

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About the Cook

Cooking with Conks

We’re Rachel & Emily Conklin (“Conks” for short), sisters, lifelong foodies, and the voices behind Cooking with Conks. We grew up in Southern California, surrounded by bold flavors, big family meals, and the kind of kitchen chaos that turns into inside jokes