Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

American

Big Poppa's Famous Chili Dog

Some foods don’t need reinventing. They just need to be done right.

Big Poppa’s Famous Chili Dog is backyard comfort food at its finest — juicy grilled hot dogs, bold homemade chili, melty cheese, and a pile of classic toppings that bring the whole thing together.

This isn’t that mystery chili from a can. We’re building flavor the Big Poppa way with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, and a hit of BPS Double Secret and Little Louie’s Garlic Salt. The result? A rich, smoky chili that was practically born to live on top of a hot dog.

Serve these up for game day, backyard cookouts, or any night you need something messy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Warning: once you make chili dogs like this, the regular ones just won’t cut it anymore.

🔥 Why These Chili Dogs Are a Crowd Favorite

  • Bold chili flavor made with BPS seasonings
  • Perfect balance of BBQ sauce and tomato richness
  • Classic toppings that let everyone build their own
  • Game-day ready comfort food that feeds a crowd

How to Make Big Poppa’s Famous Chili Dogs

1) Grill the Hot Dogs

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.

2) Make the Chili

In a saucepan over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Add tomato sauce and barbecue sauce. Season with Big Poppa’s Double Secret and Little Louie’s Garlic Salt. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thick and flavorful.

If you like beans in your chili, add red beans or chili beans during this step.

3) Toast the Buns

Place buns cut-side down on the grill for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted.

4) Build the Chili Dogs

Place a grilled hot dog inside each bun. Spoon warm chili generously over the top.

Add shredded cheese and diced onions, then finish with mustard, ketchup, relish, or any toppings you love.

Grab napkins. You’re going to need them.

Shop Big Poppa Seasonings

FAQ

Can I make the chili ahead of time?

Yes. Chili can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated before serving.

Can I cook the hot dogs in a skillet?

Absolutely. Pan-searing works great if a grill isn’t available.

What type of hot dogs work best?

All-beef hot dogs tend to deliver the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the chili?

Yes. The chili freezes well for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Big Poppa’s Famous Chili Dog

Big Poppa’s Famous Chili Dog

Big Poppa

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Cuisine

American BBQ

Category

Grilling, Game Day, Sandwiches

Big Poppa’s Famous Chili Dog is loaded with bold homemade chili, savory BBQ flavor, and classic toppings. Seasoned ground beef simmered with tomato sauce and barbecue sauce creates a rich chili that’s perfect for piling on top of grilled hot dogs. Finished with melted cheese, onions, and your favorite condiments, this game-day favorite is messy, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

  • 1 package beef hot dogs

  • 1 package hot dog buns

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 can tomato sauce

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

  • Big Poppa’s Double Secret Seasoning

  • Big Poppa’s Little Louie’s Garlic Salt

blank

  • Diced onions

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Mustard

  • Ketchup

  • Relish

  • Pickles

  • Optional: red beans or chili beans

Directions

  1. Assemble the chili dog: Place one cooked hot dog inside each bun.
  2. Add the chili: Spoon a generous amount of warm chili over each hot dog.
  3. Top with cheese and onions: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili, and if you like, add some diced onions for extra flavor and crunch.
  4. Optional toppings: If desired, you can also add mustard and ketchup or any other toppings you prefer, like relish or pickles.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Your chili dogs are now ready to be served! Enjoy these tasty treats with your family and friends.

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

All comments are moderated before being published.

Related Blog Posts

Spatchcock turkey in cast iron pan

Smoking Turkey, Ham and Brisket on One Smoker for the Holidays

Here's the good news from Big Poppa Smokers: smoking turkey, ham and brisket for one holiday dinner doesn't take three cookers, three grocery runs, or a 4 a.m. meltdown. It takes one smoker, one sh...

Read more about Smoking Turkey, Ham and Brisket on One Smoker for the Holidays
What do you get someone that has everything?
bbq accessories

Top 10 Gifts for the BBQ Lover This Holiday Season

The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for the BBQ lover in your life. Whether they’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard grilling enthusiast, there are countless gifts that c...

Read more about Top 10 Gifts for the BBQ Lover This Holiday Season
Cast iron skillets hanging on the wall
bbq-fundamentals

Cast Iron Cooking: Big Flavor From One Pan

There is a reason the pan your grandmother refused to throw out is still the best searing surface money can buy. Cast iron cooking gives you something a grate physically cannot — full, unbroken con...

Read more about Cast Iron Cooking: Big Flavor From One Pan