North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe

A hot dog without good chili? Not happening in my kitchen!

So, I give you my favorite recipe for a North Carolina hot dog. Yum city!

The key is breaking down the beef until it’s smooth and fine, so every bite is packed with deep, seasoned goodness.

I swear by a little vinegar to brighten things up, balancing out the richness of the meat.

A small spoonful of sugar helps round out the tangy tomato base without making it sweet.

This chili sticks to tradition—no beans, no chunky vegetables, just pure, spiced meat with a thick, saucy texture.

Nothing overpowers, and nothing gets lost—it all works in harmony to create that signature Carolina taste!

How to Make North Carolina Hot Dog Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Vinegar
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Place the ground beef in a medium pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.

Step 2:

Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.

Mix well to combine the flavors.

Step 3:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 4:

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Feel free to adjust the chili powder to modify the heat level.

Step 5:

Once the chili has thickened and flavors have melded together, remove from heat.

Serve over hot dogs in buns.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Manage the Heat:

Adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your preference.

If you enjoy mild chili, start with less and taste as you go.

Add Some Sweetness:

Consider adding a tablespoon of sugar if you want to balance out the acidity from the tomato paste.

I find it adds a nice touch!

Double the Recipe:

Preparing for a larger gathering?

Doubling this recipe is easy and it freezes well for later use, so you’re always ready.

Use a Sauté Pan:

Using a sauté pan can help in evenly browning the meat and onions.

Break the ground beef into small pieces for a smoother texture in your chili.

Experiment with Toppings:

Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or mustard.

This will take your hot dog to a whole new level!

What to Serve with North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a timeless choice and pairs wonderfully with the rich and spicy flavors of North Carolina hot dog chili.

The creamy texture of the salad can help balance the bold flavors, offering a refreshing contrast in every bite.

Consider adding some dill pickles or a hint of mustard to the salad to enhance the flavor.

Coleslaw

A serving of coleslaw can provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, savory chili topping on your hot dog.

The tanginess of the coleslaw works well to cut through the chili’s richness, offering a balanced bite.

Make your slaw with a vinegar-based dressing to add an extra layer of flavor.

Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins can complement the chili spice with a touch of sweetness.

You can prepare these muffins ahead of time, and they’re easy to serve when you have guests.

Add some jalapeños to the cornbread batter for an extra kick that pairs well with the chili.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables offer a tart and tangy twist that complements the hearty chili.

Items like pickled cucumbers, onions, or even carrots can add an unexpected crunch and acidity.

Serving a variety of pickles lets your friends and family customize their hot dog!!

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese might seem unusual, but it’s an incredible match for hot dog chili.

The creaminess of the cheese pasta works well against the spiciness of the chili, creating an indulgent pairing.

Try using a pepper jack or smoked cheese to add an extra flavor dimension.

Variations and Substitutions

Using breakfast sausage instead of ground beef can give your chili a spicier, richer flavor.

Vidalia onions or other sweet onion varieties can add another layer of sweetness to your dish.

Some people prefer to swap out ketchup with tomato paste for a thicker consistency in their chili.

Adding Worcestershire sauce gives the mixture an extra tangy kick that’s just delicious!

Switch up the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder you use.

If you want a bit more sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of brown sugar.

You can also try turkey or vegetarian meat substitutes if you’re looking for a healthier or meatless option.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

How to Store Leftover North Carolina Hot Dog Chili

Choosing the Right Container

When storing your leftover North Carolina hot dog chili, make sure you use an airtight container.

This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent any spills or leaks that could occur in your fridge.

I always recommend using a glass container, as it doesn’t absorb food odors like plastic can.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Once you’ve got your chili in the right container, you can safely store it in the refrigerator.

You can keep it there for up to four days according to most storage recommendations.

Ensure you label the container with the date you’re storing it to keep track of freshness.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you’re not planning to consume the chili within four days, freezing is a great option.

Portion your chili into smaller, freezer-safe bags or containers, that’s my go-to method!

Make sure you leave a little space at the top for the chili to expand as it freezes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Ground Beef

When making North Carolina hot dog chili, selecting the right ground beef is crucial.

You should opt for a lean variety as this will help you avoid overly greasy chili.

Lean beef enhances the texture and sautés beautifully without unwanted fat.

Skipping the Spices

If you forget the spices, you miss out on the authentic taste that defines this region’s hot dog chili.

Make sure to include a balanced mix of spices to achieve that distinctive flavor!

Spices like cumin are essential, but don’t overuse any single spice to overpower the dish.

Forgetting to Simmer

Simmering is key in allowing all components to meld wonderfully together.

Do not rush through the simmering process, as this step deepens the flavor profile of the chili.

Letting it simmer ensures every bite is rich and full of character.