How to make
Begin by preparing the Cincinnati chili sauce. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it until soft and translucent.
Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula while cooking. Continue stirring until the meat changes color and begins to brown slightly.
Once the meat is cooked, add the tomato puree and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Season the mixture with cumin, cinnamon, cocoa powder, paprika, chili powder, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20 to 30 minutes until it thickens and develops the distinctive flavor of Cincinnati chili. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Meanwhile cook the hot dog sausages either by boiling them or grilling them in a grill pan until they become lightly golden on the outside.
Warm the hot dog buns briefly so they become softer and more aromatic.
To assemble the Cincinnati chili dogs, place one sausage into each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the hot chili sauce over the sausage.
Top with finely chopped raw onion and a generous layer of finely shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese should cover most of the hot dog, which is typical for the traditional Cincinnati style hot dog.
Serve the Cincinnati chili dogs immediately while the chili is hot and the cheese begins to melt.
Be sure to also try our classic corn dog or this indulgent bacon wrapped hot dog for more delicious hot dog recipes.
