You can't make a bad chili dog... but you can make the best chili dog. Whether you're grilling at a tailgate in a parking lot or steaming hot dogs at home, we have a cooking method that will leave everyone cheering.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 1 Package of Vienna Beef Franks (2 lb.)
- 1 Package Poppy Seed Buns (8 pack)
- 1 Bag Chili Dog Chili (1 lb.)
- 1 Shredded Cheddar Cheese (8 oz.)
- 1 Large Yellow Onion, Diced (1 oz. serving for each Chili Dog)
Step 1: Heat Chili Dog Chili
Our Chili Dog Chili is specially proportioned in 1 pound bags for our Chili Dog Kit. Chili Dog Chili is made with hand trimmed beef, onions, tomatoes, our secret blend of spices, and a hint of brown sugar. It's the perfect addition to your hot dog. Below are three ways to heat the chili.
From Frozen
- Place a large pot on the stove.
- Add enough water to fill 2/3 of the pot and turn the heat on high.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the unopened bag of frozen chili.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and let heat for 15-20 minutes or until the product reaches an internal temperature of 160° F.
- Carefully remove from water and set aside. Bag will be hot!
From Thawed (in the bag)
- Thaw under refrigeration for 12 hours or overnight. Once thawed, the product has a 7-day shelf life.
- Place a large pot on the stove.
- Add enough water to fill 2/3 of the pot and turn the heat on high.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the unopened bag of thawed chili.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and let heat for 10-15 minutes or until the product reaches an internal temperature of 160° F.
- Carefully remove from water and set aside. Bag will be hot!
From Thawed (in the pot)
- Thaw under refrigeration for 12 hours or overnight. Once thawed, the product has a 7-day shelf life.
- Empty thawed contents into a pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to a simmer and heat for 5-7 minutes or until the product reaches 160° F.
- Carefully remove from water and set aside. Bag will be hot!
Step 2: Heat Vienna Beef Hot Dogs
Boil on the Stove
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Place the hot dogs in the pot.
- Boil the hot dogs 7-10 minutes (they are ready when they float to the top).
- Remove the hot dogs with tongs.
Pro Tip: If you made enough hot dogs for people to come back for another round, leave the extra dogs in the pot of warm water. Simply move it to a cool burner and put a lid on the pot.
Steam on the Stove
- Use a pot that has a steamer basket that sits above the boiling water.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil.
- Place hot dogs in the steamer basket for approximately 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F.
Grill or Broil
- Preheat flat grill or BBQ Grill to 350° F.
- Place hot dogs on the grill and rotate occasionally to get grill marks.
- Remove after approximately 10 minutes, or internal temperature reaches 160° F.
Step 3: Steam Hot Dog Buns
Steam on the Stove
- Use a pot that has a steamer basket that sits above the boiling water.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil.
- Place hot dog buns in the steamer basket and allow the buns to steam for 1-2 minutes.
Steam in a Microwave
- Wet a paper towel with water.
- Wrap the buns and microwave in increments of 10 seconds, or until desired softness is reached.
Exact timing will vary depending upon your microwave.
Step 4: Assemble
- Place the prepared hot dog in a steamed poppy seed bun
- Top with one ounce of Chili Dog Chili
- Add cheese and/or onions
- Eat, repeat.
Party Tip: Create a build-your-own chili dog bar for a fun and easy serving style.
Now that you know how to make Vienna Beef Chili Dogs, make sure you share your creations with us on social media using #ViennaBeef!
