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Chili Queso Dog Bar

Chili Queso Dog Bar might just be the most elite game day move of all time. It’s got everything—spicy, smoky homemade chili, perfectly toasted buns, juicy hot dogs, and a volcano of creamy, melty Panchos Queso poured right on top.
Print Recipe
Chili Queso Dog
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time:3 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

Homemade Chili Powder (Note 1)

  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Chili

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • ½ onion finely chopped
  • ½ green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 packet sazon goya
  • 1 ½ beef stock
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt plus more to taste

Chili Dogs

  • Kosher hot dogs of choice
  • Hot dog buns
  • ½ white onion finely chopped
  • Yellow mustard
  • Every tub of Panchos Queso you can find!

Instructions

  • Mix the Chili Powder: In a small bowl, combine all chili powder ingredients. Set aside.
  • Cook the Chili Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Toast the Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and homemade chili powder. Let the spices toast in the beef mixture for about 30 seconds—this step builds deep, rich flavor.
  • Simmer the Chili: Add crushed tomatoes, crumbled beef cubes, water, and salt. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 2-3 hours, until thickened and saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Cook the Dogs: While the chili simmers, cook the hot dogs according to package instructions—grilled, boiled, or pan-seared all work.
  • Warm the Queso: Just before serving, heat Panchos Queso until hot and melty. (Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan on low heat works perfectly.)
  • Assemble: Place each sausage in a bun. Spoon on some homemade chili, then drizzle generously with warm Panchos Queso. Top with chopped white onion and a squeeze of yellow mustard.
  • Serve as a Bar: For a crowd, keep chili and queso warm in separate bowls or slow cookers. Let everyone build their own ultimate chili queso dog!

Notes

  • Note 1: Homemade Chili Powder: You can substitute with store-bought chili powder, but homemade gives deeper, fresher flavor.
  • Hot Dog Options: Smoked sausages like bratwurst or half-smokes bring more flavor, but classic hot dogs totally work too.
Servings: 8