Tailgate Chili Dog Bar (Printable)
A flavorful setup featuring beef franks, chili, and a colorful toppings bar, ideal for casual gatherings and cookouts.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Beef Franks & Buns
01 - 8 beef franks
02 - 8 hot dog buns
→ Chili
03 - 1 lb ground beef
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Toppings Bar
15 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
16 - 1/2 cup diced red onions
17 - 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
18 - 1/2 cup chopped scallions
19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
21 - 1/3 cup yellow mustard
22 - 1/3 cup ketchup
23 - 1/4 cup relish
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned throughout, approximately 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - While chili simmers, grill or pan-cook beef franks according to package directions until heated through and lightly browned.
05 - Briefly warm hot dog buns on the grill or in a low-temperature oven until lightly toasted.
06 - Set up serving bowls with cheddar cheese, red onions, jalapeños, scallions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, mustard, ketchup, and relish for self-service.
07 - Place a cooked beef frank in each warmed bun. Generously top with chili and allow guests to customize with their preferred toppings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns dinner into an interactive experience where guests become creators of their perfect bite
- The chili can be made ahead so you are actually hanging out with people instead of stuck at the stove
02 -
- Chili tastes better after sitting so make it the day before and reheat gently before serving
- Line the toppings table with something washable because chili spills will happen
03 -
- Keep the chili warm in a slow cooker on low so guests can serve themselves at their own pace
- Toast buns cut side down on the grill just until they have golden marks