Stranger Things Chili Dogs: An Epic Bite from the Upside Down! ππ₯π
1. Introduction
Dive into the delicious and mysterious world of Hawkins, Indiana, with these Stranger Things Chili Dogs! Perfect for a spooky Halloween bash, a binge-watching marathon, or any occasion that calls for an extraordinary treat. This easy chili dog recipe brings together classic comfort food with a playful nod to the beloved series. Craving more themed delights? Try our other incredible recipes! Whether youβre battling demogorgons or just want a unique culinary adventure, these chili dogs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a portal to the Upside Down, one bite at a time!

2. What Makes These Chili Dogs βStranger Thingsβ Worthy?
These arenβt just your run-of-the-mill chili dogs; theyβre an experience! The combination of savory, perfectly spiced chili and your favorite toppings creates a symphony of flavors thatβs hard to resist. What sets this easy chili dog recipe apart is its adaptability. Perhaps you are also in the mood for some lunch ideas? Feel free to customize it to match your spice preference or dietary needs. Plus, theyβre incredibly fun to make, making them a fantastic option for themed parties or family activities. Serve these delightful chili dogs and watch them disappear faster than Eleven can crush a Coke can! For another fun snack, consider these recipes.
3. Ingredients Youβll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Toppings of your choice: shredded cheese, mustard, ketchup, chopped onions, relish
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stranger Things Chili Dogs
Step 1: Cook the Beef Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Simmer
Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors. The longer it simmers, the richer the chili becomes!

Step 3: Prep the Hot Dogs and Buns
While the chili is simmering, prepare your hot dogs according to package instructions. You can grill them, boil them, or even pan-fry them for that perfect bite. Lightly toast the hot dog buns. For a themed menu try these Stranger Things Waffle Tower.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Place each hot dog in a bun, generously top with the homemade chili, and add your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, chopped onions, mustard, and relish are highly recommended! Serve immediately and enjoy your Stranger Things Chili Dogs!

5. Tips and Tricks for the Best Chili Dogs
- **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili for an extra kick.
- **Bean Variety:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a unique flavor profile.
- **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles to make a delicious vegetarian chili dog.
- **Topping Bar:** Set up a topping bar so everyone can customize their chili dogs to their liking.
- **Slow Cooker Method:** For an even easier approach, cook the chili in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low.
6. Serving Suggestions
These Stranger Things Chili Dogs are fantastic on their own, but why stop there? Serve them with a side of crispy french fries, onion rings, or a refreshing coleslaw to complete the meal. Thinking of something else besides fries? Take a look at some dinner sides. For a true βStranger Thingsβ experience, pair them with a glass of New Coke or a homemade waffle! You can even discuss whether the βHot Dog on a Stickβ location mentioned in the show actually exists here.
7. Perfect Occasions for Stranger Things Chili Dogs
These chili dogs are perfect for:
β Halloween parties
β βStranger Thingsβ viewing parties
β Casual family dinners
β Game nights
β Birthday celebrations
Theyβre a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any event! They are also great as part of a larger meal that includes other recipes too!
8. Health and Dietary Considerations
This chili dogs recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version. Opt for turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lower-fat option. To make it vegetarian, use plant-based ground beef and veggie dogs. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. Similar to The Queenβs Gambit-themed chicken, this fits into many occasions and can be tweaked as needed.
9. Conclusion
With this Stranger Things Chili Dogs recipe, youβre now equipped to create a dish thatβs both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Enjoy these with The Simpsons Nachos. If you are looking for more options, thereβs always some House M. D. Chinese. Whether youβre a die-hard fan of the series or simply a lover of easy chili dog recipe, these chili dogs are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, turn up the βStranger Thingsβ soundtrack, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Upside Down! While youβre there, you can consider other recipes, like the Gilmore Girls breakfast buffet or the Succession truffle pasta.
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Stranger Things Chili Dogs
Dive into the delicious and mysterious world of Hawkins, Indiana, with these Stranger Things Chili Dogs! Perfect for Halloween bashes or binge-watching marathons, this easy chili dog recipe is a crowd-pleaser that blends classic comfort food with a playful nod to the beloved series.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Toppings: shredded cheese, mustard, ketchup, chopped onions, relish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chili simmers, prepare the hot dogs according to package instructions. Lightly toast the buns.
- Assemble by placing each hot dog in a bun, topping generously with chili and your favorite toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Experiment with different beans for unique flavors.
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Set up a topping bar for customization.
- Use a slow cooker for easier preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili dog
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg