North Carolina Hot Dog Chili Recipe

When it comes to enjoying a delicious hot dog, there’s something special about the North Carolina hot dog chili recipe.

This unique and flavorful chili adds a southern touch to the traditional hot dog, taking it to a whole new level of taste.

But what exactly sets the North Carolina hot dog chili apart from the rest?

The North Carolina hot dog chili recipe is characterized by a blend of ground beef, tomato sauce, and a combination of spices that give it a rich, savory taste.

Unlike other chili recipes, this one skips the beans and focuses more on the rich, meaty flavors.

Additionally, the chili is cooked to a specific consistency, ensuring it perfectly complements the hot dog without overpowering the other ingredients.

How to Make North Carolina Hot Dog Chili

Ingredients List

Here’s what you will need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Place a large Dutch oven or saucepot over medium heat and add the ground beef.

Cook ground beef for about 5 minutes, until it’s mostly cooked through, using a potato masher to break it into small crumbles.

Step 2

Add the diced yellow onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

Stir in 1 can of tomato paste, 1 cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.

Mix everything well to incorporate the ingredients fully.

Step 3

Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to the pot.

Pour in 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4

Lower the heat and allow the hot dog chili sauce to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

The sauce should thicken as it cooks, but if it becomes too thick, add a little more water and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Finish the hot dog chili by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 5

Now, your North Carolina hot dog chili is ready to be served over hot dogs or used as a topping for other dishes.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for North Carolina Hot Dog Chili

When enjoying a delicious North Carolina Hot Dog Chili, it’s essential to pair it with the perfect side dishes.

Here are a few options that complement the flavors of the chili without stealing the spotlight.

Creamy Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with a classic like creamy coleslaw.

The cool, tangy flavor of the coleslaw balances out the warmth and spiciness of the chili.

Just mix shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and spices for a refreshing addition to your meal.

Amish Potato Salad

Another excellent pairing is Amish Potato Salad.

The creamy, tangy taste complements the spicy chili sauce, making it a delightful side dish.

Easily prepare the salad with potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and other seasonings.

Baked Beans with Bacon and Ground Beef

Baked beans with bacon and ground beef are a hearty, flavor-packed side dish that pairs well with hot dog chilis.

Combining beans, bacon, beef, and molasses, along with various herbs and spices, creates a savory addition to your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

When it comes to a North Carolina hot dog chili, there are several ingredients substitutes that you can consider.

Substituting certain ingredients may help you adjust the recipe to your taste, accommodate dietary restrictions, or work with available ingredients.

Fresh Garlic

If you don’t have garlic powder on hand, using fresh garlic can be an excellent substitute.

Use one medium clove of fresh garlic, minced, per 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in the recipe.

Fresh garlic will provide a richer and more natural taste to your hot dog chili.

How to Store North Carolina Hot Dog Chili

Storing your North Carolina Hot Dog Chili properly is important to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Following these simple steps will ensure that your child stays delicious and ready for consumption whenever you crave it.

Refrigerator

First and foremost, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature.

This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can affect the overall texture and flavor of the chili.

Once cooled, transfer the chili into an airtight container.

This type of container helps to keep the chili fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping out into your refrigerator.

Seal the lid tightly and store the container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezer

If you want to store the chili for a longer period, opt for a freezer-safe container.

Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the chili will expand slightly when frozen.

Label the container with the date of preparation so that you can easily track its freshness.

North Carolina Hot Dog Chili can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your chili, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave’s defrost function for quicker results.

By using these storage methods, you can savor the delicious taste of your North Carolina Hot Dog Chili well beyond the day it was prepared.

Always remember to reheat the chili thoroughly before serving, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing North Carolina Hot Dog Chili:

Overheating the ground beef

Cooking the ground beef over medium-high heat can quickly cause it to become overcooked.

Instead, set the heat to medium and be patient while the meat browns.

This will ensure that your chili dogs maintain their desired texture and beefy flavor.

Not draining fat from the meat

For a non-greasy North Carolina hot dog chili, it’s essential to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef.

Skipping this step can lead to an oily, heavy chili that detracts from the overall taste of your chili dogs, chili cheese fries, or other dishes.

Inaccurate seasoning and measurements

Pay close attention to the measurements for seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar.

Deviating from the suggested amounts can result in a taste far removed from the classic North Carolina hot dog chili.

Stick to using the specified measurements, such as tsp chili powder and teaspoons of garlic powder.

Insufficient hydration

Remember to include the recommended tablespoons of water in your recipe, as this will help to create a smoother consistency in the chili.

Without the right amount of water, the end result may be too thick and difficult to spread over your hot dog or chili cheese fries.