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Cozy Chili Cheese Dog Soup

chili cheese dog soup - featured image

A warm, comforting soup inspired by the classic chili cheese dog, combining smoky chili, melted cheese, and savory hot dogs for an easy and nostalgic meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 regular-sized hot dogs, sliced
  • 1 pound lean or regular ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth, preferably low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and diced tomatoes.
  2. Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving the fat in the pot.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir occasionally until soft and fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the sliced hot dogs, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the hot dogs with spices.
  5. Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until flavors meld and soup thickens slightly.
  7. Optional: Scoop out about a cup of beans and blend until smooth. Stir back into the pot for a creamier texture.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Turn off heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each serving or stir it in for melty goodness.

Notes

If soup is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer but watch to avoid burning. Blend some beans for a silky texture without losing chunkiness. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose intolerance. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef and hot dogs with plant-based crumbles and vegan sausages, and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese dog soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hot dog soup, cheesy soup, weeknight dinner, family meal