The Viral Grilled Cheese Hot Dog… But With Chili

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

hot dogs

🥗Healthier: turkey hot dogs

💰Cheaper: pork hot dogs

Turkey hot dogs offer a leaner option.

bread

🥗Healthier: whole grain bread

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain adds fiber and nutrients.

chili

🥗Healthier: vegetarian chili

💰Cheaper: canned chili

Canned chili is often more affordable.

Heat a pot over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of beef tallow until melted.

Add 1/2 diced sweet onion and 1 diced jalapeno to the pot and cook until softened.

Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and stir.

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot, spreading it out without searing it.

Pour in 2 cups of beef stock and mix well. Turn the heat up to bring it to a simmer.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour.

After an hour, use a masher to break up the meat and check the texture.

Add 1 tablespoon of mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed Mexican oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Optionally, add crushed Ritz crackers for thickness.

Mix well and add 1 bay leaf and cayenne pepper to taste. Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, check the chili's thickness and adjust with water if desired. Remove the bay leaf and let it cool. For best flavor, let it rest overnight.

Prepare potato buns and pack freshly grated cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack) into the buns generously.

Sear Nathan's skinless Franks until warm, then pack cheese on top of each hot dog.

Heat a skillet and add the cheese-packed hot dogs. Spread a little mayonnaise on the back of the hot dogs.

Once browned, flip the hot dogs to crisp the cheese on the surface.

Serve the grilled cheese hot dogs topped with chili and mustard as desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens