Texas Chili Dog
Thick grilled hot dog topped with chili, salsa, shredded cheese, and jalapeños, a Tex-Mex inspired style from Texas.
The Texas Chili Dog is a bold, no-nonsense classic that features a grilled or steamed hot dog smothered in spicy beef chili—often without beans—and topped with cheese, onions, and sometimes jalapeños. Despite the name, it didn’t originate in Texas but was inspired by the state’s signature chili con carne. The style became popular nationwide by the mid-20th century, especially at diners and drive-ins. True Texas-style chili emphasizes meat and spice over tomato or sweetness, which sets this dog apart from other chili dog variations. It’s a staple at county fairs, roadside stands, and late-night eateries across the Southwest. Messy, spicy, and filling—it’s Lone Star pride in a bun.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 All-beef hot dogs
- 4 Hot dog buns
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 or ground chuck)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (Diced)
- 3 Garlic cloves (Minced)
- 3 tablespoons Chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (To taste)
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (Shredded)
- 1/2 medium White onion (Diced for topping)
- 2-3 Jalapeños (Sliced, optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer 20-30 minutes until chili thickens to desired consistency. No beans - this is Texas style!
- Meanwhile, grill or boil hot dogs until heated through.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Place hot dog in bun.
- Ladle generous amount of Texas chili over hot dog.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
- Add sliced jalapeños if desired for extra heat.
- Serve immediately. This is authentic Texas-style - no beans!
Related Styles (kinda)
4 similar styles
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The Jackson Coney Dog features a beef and pork hot dog in a steamed bun topped with a thick, beanless meat chili, yellow mustard, and onions. It's a heartier, mildly spiced take on the Michigan Coney legacy.
The Flint Coney Dog features a dry, finely ground beef heart chili topping on a beef hot dog in a steamed bun, garnished with mustard and raw onion. It's bold, crumbly, and unapologetically meaty.