Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 beef frankfurters
  • 8 brioche-style hot dog buns
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled.
  2. Stir in diced onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Place hot dogs on the grill, rotating frequently until they are charred and plump (about 5-7 minutes).
  7. Spread softened butter on the inside of each bun. Place buns face-down on the grill for 60-90 seconds until golden brown.
  8. Place a grilled dog into each toasted bun.
  9. Spoon a generous portion of the homemade chili over the dog.
  10. Sprinkle a heavy layer of shredded cheddar over the chili.
  11. Return the assembled dogs to the grill for 1-2 minutes, closing the lid to let the residual heat melt the cheese.