If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, these Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs are just what you need. Made with a smoky, meaty chili that’s packed with bold flavors and served over grilled hot dogs, this recipe is perfect for game days, cookouts, or a hearty family meal. The Traeger grill adds a rich, wood-fired taste to both the chili and the hot dogs, making this dish a must-try for barbecue lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and flavorful – Cooking the chili on a Traeger grill infuses it with a delicious smoky taste.
- No beans, all meat – A thick and hearty chili that’s perfect for hot dog toppings without any beans.
- Perfect for cookouts – A crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for parties, tailgating, or backyard barbecues.
- Customizable – You can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep – Make the chili ahead of time and store it for easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
- Diced onions (optional)
- Jalapeños (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Traeger Grill – Set your Traeger to 225°F and allow it to preheat.
- Cook the beef – In a cast-iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the aromatics – Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Add the liquids and seasonings – Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Smoke the chili – Place the skillet on the Traeger grill, close the lid, and smoke for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Grill the hot dogs – Increase the grill temperature to 375°F and cook the hot dogs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Assemble the chili dogs – Place hot dogs in buns, spoon the no-bean chili over them, and top with cheese, onions, or jalapeños if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 chili dogs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped chipotle peppers or extra cayenne for more heat.
- Turkey Option – Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve over grilled sausage instead of a bun.
- Extra Smoky – Use hickory or mesquite wood pellets for deeper smoky flavors.
- Cheesy Twist – Melt cheese directly into the chili for a creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze chili in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm chili in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Reheat hot dogs on the grill or stovetop.
FAQs
How do I keep my hot dog buns from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the buns on the grill for a few minutes before assembling the chili dogs.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! The flavors develop even more overnight, making it a great make-ahead option.
What’s the best type of wood pellet for smoking chili?
Hickory, mesquite, or oak work best for a deep, smoky flavor.
Can I make this without a Traeger?
Absolutely! You can cook the chili on a stovetop and grill the hot dogs on a standard grill.
How can I make the chili thicker?
Let it simmer longer to reduce liquid, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
What are the best toppings for chili dogs?
Shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, mustard, or sour cream are all great options.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of meats.
How do I make this chili milder?
Reduce the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika for a less spicy version.
What’s the best way to serve chili dogs for a crowd?
Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their chili dogs to their liking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times as needed.
Conclusion
Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs are the perfect combination of smoky, meaty, and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or craving a hearty meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. With easy make-ahead options and endless variations, you can enjoy this dish exactly how you like it. Fire up your Traeger and give these chili dogs a try!
PrintTraeger No-Bean Chili Dogs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking & Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Traeger no-bean chili dogs take classic hot dogs to the next level with a rich, smoky, and hearty homemade chili—without the beans! The chili is slow-smoked on a Traeger grill, giving it a deep, wood-fired flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled hot dogs. Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite toppings for the ultimate backyard meal!
Ingredients
For the No-Bean Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Hot Dogs:
- 8 all-beef hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onions
- Jalapeños
- Yellow mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Make the No-Bean Chili
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or mesquite pellets.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or smoker-safe pan. Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Mix well.
- Place the skillet on the Traeger, close the lid, and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Grill the Hot Dogs
- Increase the Traeger temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even charring.
Step 3: Assemble the Chili Dogs
- Toast the hot dog buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes with a little butter.
- Place the grilled hot dogs in the buns and generously spoon the smoked no-bean chili on top.
- Add your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, onions, and jalapeños.
Notes
- You can make the chili spicier by adding more cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- The chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For an extra-smoky flavor, stir in a dash of liquid smoke at the end.
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