Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs

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

  1. Preheat the Traeger Grill – Set your Traeger to 225°F and allow it to preheat.
  2. Cook the beef – In a cast-iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sauté the aromatics – Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
  4. 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.
  5. Smoke the chili – Place the skillet on the Traeger grill, close the lid, and smoke for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Grill the hot dogs – Increase the grill temperature to 375°F and cook the hot dogs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs

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!

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Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs

Traeger No-Bean Chili Dogs

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or mesquite pellets.
  2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or smoker-safe pan. Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, then add fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Mix well.
  6. 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

  1. Increase the Traeger temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place hot dogs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even charring.

Step 3: Assemble the Chili Dogs

  1. Toast the hot dog buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes with a little butter.
  2. Place the grilled hot dogs in the buns and generously spoon the smoked no-bean chili on top.
  3. 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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