Craving a hearty, flavorful chili that's perfect for a chilly evening or a fun game day gathering? Look no further! This Carolina Hot Dog Chili recipe is a delicious twist on the classic, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, hot dog buns
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the chili: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Bring to a boil: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes!
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Stir in the vinegar: Just before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds a touch of brightness and balances the sweetness.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili over your favorite hot dogs, top with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions, and serve on toasted hot dog buns.
Tips for the Best Carolina Hot Dog Chili:
- For a spicier chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your chili will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can become dry and tough. Brown it thoroughly, but avoid overcooking.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet chili, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian crumbles or 1 cup of lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy Carolina Hot Dog Chili: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Beanless Chili: Omit the kidney beans for a thicker, less bean-heavy chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate for one serving of this recipe is around 350-400 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For precise nutritional information, use an online nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredient quantities.
This Carolina Hot Dog Chili recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking and providing a truly satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy!