Aaaaah-Autumn. Country fairs in quaint towns and in countrysides. Cooler air, changing leaves, arts and crafts, funnel cakes, candied apples— can’t you just smell it? A favorite after knocking around a country fair is a stop at the hot dog wagon. Yes, we have tried many a chili dog at country fairs, and I will always be a big fan.

But, I wanted to make my own chili, and had no idea where to begin until my friend and I were cooking chili dogs for a youth fund-raiser at church. He shared with me his hot dog chili recipe. Yes! This chili won the prize. I still have and cherish the scribbled note card upon which I recorded the ingredients. With a few tweaks, I made this chili my own and have been cooking it for my family for decades.

Great in a bowl with a spoon, this chili shows off best on top of a great hot dog (or two). Seriously, you can add all the accoutrements of a loaded dog, but this chili with just a little ketchup and mustard is really enough.

The recipe calls for 3 lbs of meat, but you can half the recipe if desired. It freezes very well — portion out leftover chili into individual zipper freezer bag for a quick anytime trip to the hot dog stand in your own freezer!

This chili cooks well in a Dutch oven, or you can use a larger skillet if preferred.

Ingredients:

3 Pounds Ground Chuck

1 Small Can Tomato Sauce

1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes (half drained)

6 oz Ketchup

2 Tablespoons Dried Minced Onions

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

1/4 Cup Water

3 Dashes Hot Sauce

Directions: In a Dutch oven (or large skillet) brown ground chuck. Drain. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often. That’s it!

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Serve over hot dogs, sausage dogs, serve on buns like sloppy joes, or eat it with a spoon. It is that delicious. Slightly sweet, just the right spice.

Great for a tailgate, game night supper or kids party. Also great to make a bunch for a church or other fundraiser, which is where I got the recipe in the first place so many years ago. I remember it like yesterday.

We discussed buying a hot dog cart and taking our chili on the road. That’s where the name came in. Orsini’s Famous Hot Dog Chili — 2 dogs, chips and a canned drink for $5. You would have to try that, right?

Hope you make this great chili, and let me know how you like it! Who knows, you may want a hot dog cart one day, and this is the recipe that may just keep people coming back for your dog.

Buon Appetito!

Kim Orsini

Iron Maiden – Black Skillet Cooking