How to Make a Classic Vienna Beef Chili Dog

How to Make a Classic Vienna Beef Chili Dog

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!