North Carolina hot dog chili recipe is a mild, flavorful chili made specifically to top hot dogs. I first learned about it while visiting a local food stand in North Carolina.
I watched the cook prepare the chili carefully, noticing how each ingredient blended together. The moment inspired me to recreate the recipe at home.
I spent time adjusting the flavors until it matched what I remembered. The chili uses ground beef, tomato paste, and spices balanced just right to avoid overwhelming heat.
Now I will explain to make North Carolina hot dog chili recipe.
Why Dogs Like North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe?
Dogs like North Carolina hot dog chili recipe because it combines savory, meaty flavors that appeal to their taste buds. The ground beef provides a hearty texture and rich protein, which dogs enjoy.
The mild spices add flavor without being too spicy or overwhelming, making it tasty but safe for dogs. The chili’s slightly tangy tomato base adds a pleasant contrast that keeps it interesting.
Overall, the North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that dogs find irresistible when served on a warm, soft hot dog bun.
How To Prepare North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe?
Recipe Overviews
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main course / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American (North Carolina regional)
Calories: Approximately 220 calories per
Yield: About 2 cups chili, enough for 6-8 hot dogs
Kitchen Utensils
- Skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- Hot dogs and buns, for serving
- Mustard, chopped onions, and North Carolina-style red slaw (optional toppings)
Instructions
Step 1:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2:
Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
Step 3:
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water (or beef broth). Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili powder for heat.
Step 5:
Spoon the hot dog chili generously over cooked hot dogs in buns. Top with mustard, chopped onions, and a traditional North Carolina red slaw for an authentic finish.
My Tips For Success
➤ Choose quality ground beef — Fresh, lean ground beef gives the chili a rich, meaty flavor without excess grease. Avoid pre-packaged meat that may contain fillers.
➤ Brown the beef slowly — Take your time to brown the meat over medium heat. This helps develop deeper flavors and ensures the chili isn’t bland.
➤ Chop onions finely — Small onion pieces cook down and blend into the chili, adding sweetness and texture without sharpness.
➤ Use tomato paste for thickness — Tomato paste adds body and a concentrated tomato flavor that’s essential to this chili’s consistency.
➤ Simmer gently — Keep the chili at a low simmer so flavors meld and it thickens evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning on the pan’s bottom.
➤ Balance acidity and sweetness — Adjust vinegar and sugar little by little. The right balance cuts through the richness and keeps the chili lively but not overpowering.
When to Serve
Serve North Carolina hot dog chili for dogs anytime they enjoy a classic hot dog. It works great at backyard cookouts, casual lunches, or game day snacks.
The chili adds extra flavor and makes the hot dog more satisfying. Just make sure the chili has cooled slightly before serving to keep the bun from getting soggy. This way, every bite stays delicious and easy to eat.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover North Carolina hot dog chili recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to keep the flavors balanced and the texture smooth.
Proper storage helps maintain the chili’s taste and quality, so you can enjoy it again without losing any of North Carolina hot dog chili recipe classic flavor.
FAQs About The North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Can I prepare this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely. Making the chili a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain the smooth texture.
Is it possible to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Yes, but keep in mind the flavor profile will be lighter and less rich. Ground beef provides a robust, classic taste essential to the authentic North Carolina chili experience. If you choose turkey or chicken, consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.
How spicy is this chili?
This chili is designed to be mild, focusing on rich, savory flavors rather than heat. The chili powder used adds depth but not intense spiciness. It’s perfect for those who want flavorful chili without overwhelming heat.
What’s the best way to freeze and store leftover chili?
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating slowly on the stove to preserve taste and texture.
What toppings complement this chili best?
Traditional toppings include yellow mustard, finely chopped raw onions, and North Carolina red slaw—a tangy vinegar-based cabbage slaw. These add crunch, acidity, and brightness, balancing the rich, meaty chili and enhancing every bite on the hot dog.
Conclusion
My happy dogs always enjoy this North Carolina hot dog chili recipe, and seeing them dig in brings me so much joy. The rich flavors and perfect texture never disappoint.
I hope you give this North Carolina hot dog chili recipe a try soon. It’s a simple way to make any hot dog special and full of heart. Now, I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy every delicious bite just like I do!
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North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water (or beef broth). Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili powder for heat.
- Spoon the hot dog chili generously over cooked hot dogs in buns. Top with mustard, chopped onions, and a traditional North Carolina red slaw for an authentic finish.
Hello dog lovers, I am John. Welcome to my website healthydogfoods.com. I am happy to gain experience from my love for my dog and my pet dog. Through my experience and acquaintance with dog veterinarians, I have made myself a proper guide for dogs. I will tell you about dog care, their nutritious food, their proper safety and dog upbringing for a better life. Even though dogs cannot talk like humans, I will solve all the problems by observing their behavior. I will discuss the proper care and related issues of your dog. Which will give you the right answer to all the problems of your beloved dog.