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Perfect Loaded Patriotic Hot Dog Bar with Gourmet Chili & Toppings

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A crowd-pleasing hot dog bar featuring homemade gourmet chili and a variety of patriotic-themed toppings, perfect for summer celebrations and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 8–10 all-beef hot dogs
  • 8–10 soft hot dog buns
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Diced white onions
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes
  • Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
  • Sour cream
  • Yellow mustard
  • Ketchup
  • Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  6. While chili simmers, cook hot dogs on a grill or stovetop until browned and heated through. Toast buns lightly on the grill or in a dry pan.
  7. Chop onions, dice tomatoes, slice jalapeños, and set out shredded cheese and sour cream for the toppings bar. Arrange condiments in small bowls.
  8. Set up the hot dog bar buffet-style so everyone can build their own loaded hot dog with chili and toppings.

Notes

If chili is too thick during simmering, add a splash of broth or water. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to get a good sear. Toast spices to release oils and deepen flavor. Keep chopped onions and jalapeños chilled until serving for best texture and flavor. Leftover chili tastes better the next day and freezes well.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot dog bar, loaded hot dogs, gourmet chili, patriotic recipe, summer barbecue, game day food, chili toppings, backyard party

Find it online: https://evabake.com/perfect-loaded-patriotic-hot-dog-bar-recipe-with-gourmet-chili-toppings-guide/