Introduction

I’ve been making this Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs for years, and it has quickly become one of my family’s favorite additions to our BBQ meals. The chili has the perfect balance of tanginess and spice, with a rich, hearty flavor that complements both burgers and hot dogs so well. Whether we’re grilling on a summer day or preparing a cozy meal for a family gathering, this chili recipe is always a hit. It’s simple to make and incredibly versatile, so we always have some on hand in the freezer for quick meals. My kids love it, and my husband requests it for every cookout! I usually double the recipe because it freezes so well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks. This chili is also a great base for other recipes like chili cheese fries or a chili bake, making it a go-to in our household.

Why You’ll Love This Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs

This Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs recipe is exactly what you need to take your grilling game to the next level. It’s full of bold flavors and a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes that go beautifully with both burgers and hot dogs. The texture is thick and hearty, which makes it stick to your buns just right, adding flavor without overpowering the meat.

What sets this chili apart from other recipes is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks who still want to serve something delicious. Plus, it’s customizable! You can adjust the level of sweetness with sugar and the level of heat with chili powder, so everyone can enjoy it the way they like. Whether you prefer your chili with a little extra kick or on the milder side, this recipe is easily adaptable.

Additionally, this chili recipe is budget-friendly and easy to make in larger batches, which is perfect for feeding a crowd. Double the batch and freeze it in small containers for later use—whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just want a quick and tasty topping for your hot dogs and burgers, you’ll have it ready to go.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons ketchup
1 (10 3/4 oz) can tomato soup
1 can water (use the empty soup can to measure)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
Sugar to taste

Instructions

Mix the Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the ground beef, mustard, vinegar, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, tomato soup, water, salt, and chili powder. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a little more chili powder for heat, salt for flavor, or sugar to balance the tanginess.
Serve: Once the chili is done simmering and you’re happy with the flavor, it’s ready to serve! Spoon it over your favorite burgers or hot dogs, and enjoy the perfect chili topping!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/4 cup)

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 100 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings (1/4 cup per serving)

How to Serve

This Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving:

As a topping for burgers: Spoon a generous amount of chili over your burger patty, then top with cheese, onions, and other condiments for an ultimate chili burger.
On hot dogs: Add a heaping scoop of chili over your hot dog, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, onions, or jalapeños for a classic chili dog.
With fries: For a fun twist, pour the chili over a plate of crispy fries and top with cheese for chili cheese fries.
On a baked potato: Use this chili as a topping for baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
With nachos: Add chili to your nachos, then layer with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for a tasty snack or appetizer.
As a dip: Serve this chili as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun party treat.

Additional Tips

Customize the Heat: If you prefer spicier chili, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and leave out any hot seasonings.
Double the Recipe: This chili is perfect for making in large batches. Double the recipe and freeze half for later use—it’ll save you time on busy nights.
Use Lean Ground Beef: To make the chili a little healthier, try using lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef.
Add Beans: If you love beans in your chili, feel free to add a can of kidney beans or black beans for extra texture and fiber.
Sweeten it up: Depending on your taste preferences, you can add a little sugar or honey to balance out the acidity from the vinegar and tomato soup.

FAQ Section

Can I make this chili without ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
How can I make the chili spicier?
Add extra chili powder, or include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours instead of simmering it on the stove.
How can I make this chili thicker?
If the chili is too thin, simmer it for a bit longer with the lid off, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken it.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How long will this chili last in the fridge?
Once cooled, this chili will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Make it ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve!
Is this chili good for meal prepping?
Yes, this chili is perfect for meal prepping! It’s easy to divide into individual portions and store in the fridge or freezer for later.
Can I add more vegetables to the chili?
Definitely! You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to give it more texture and flavor.
What should I serve with this chili?
Serve it with buns for burgers and hot dogs, but it also pairs well with cornbread, baked potatoes, or a simple salad.

This Best Homemade Chili for Burgers and Hotdogs is the perfect addition to any BBQ or cookout. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it on burgers, hot dogs, fries, or even as a dip, this chili will quickly become a crowd favorite. Enjoy!