From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Make the Homemade Chili
1
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.
2
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.
3
Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot.
4
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.
5
Mix in the spices, brown sugar, and cocoa powder and cook 1-2 minutes.
6
Add in crushed tomatoes and broth, then bring the chili to a low boil.
7
Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and cook for 30-40 minutes.
8
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.
9
Whisk together cornstarch and 1 tbsp water and stir into the chili to thicken.
Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs
1
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.
2
Top each hot dog with a couple spoonfuls of chili, some shredded cheese, onions, and jalapeños, if using.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Build Chili Depth with Cocoa & Brown Sugar 🍫The unsweetened cocoa powder and brown sugar create a complex, rich flavor base that rounds out the spices—add them early in cooking and let them meld for at least 20 minutes to avoid a bitter taste.
- Toast Your Spices for Maximum Impact 🌶️Bloom the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder in the hot oil with diced onions for 1-2 minutes before adding meat to unlock their essential oils and intensify the overall flavor profile.
- Thicken Chili Strategically with Cornstarch Slurry 💧Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking—this prevents lumps and gives you precise control over the chili's consistency for perfect topping coverage.
- Butter-Toast Your Brioche Buns for Premium Texture 🥖Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them cut-side down on a griddle until golden—this prevents sogginess from the chili and adds a luxurious textural contrast that elevates the entire dish.
- Layer Your Toppings in Reverse Order for Stability 🧀Apply hot dogs first, then chili, followed by cheddar cheese (which will melt from the chili's heat), diced onions, and jalapeños last —this layering prevents toppings from sliding off and ensures each element stays in place.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Carb
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
More Recipes by Cooking with Conks
Check out more Cooking with Conks content!Browse Cooking with Conks recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.