We spent our family vacation in Washington DC last week touring famous landmarks, learning the in’s and out’s of congress, brushing up on our history and enjoying the sights of the city. We didn’t catch a glimpse of the president on the White House lawn but we did see him, along with many others, line the walls at one of DC’s most famous landmarks—Ben’s Chili Bowl.
This place has seen Washington DC change over many times since 1958 and it still remains one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. Locals, movie stars, sports figures, and politicians alike frequent Ben’s. Why you ask— because its got one of the meanest chili dogs I’ve ever tasted.
I thought I would be writing and raving about a favorite costal seafood dinner but when we arrived at Ben’s It was all over for me.
I couldn’t resist tracking down the recipe and passing it on. I know most of you are sick of grilling hamburgers and hot dogs by August but if you want one last hurrah make these and enjoy this crazy good chili.
Make sure you stop here if you travel to DC. Our son is the proud owner of a Ben’s Chili Bowl t-shirt and I’m proud of establishments like Ben’s that have stayed the course and made this one cool joint.
Dig in. We can get healthy next week.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Chili
Ingredients
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
1 onion, finely chopped
5 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 bay leaf
2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
6 Tbsp. corn mealor masa harina
Instructions
Heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until light golden, about 7 to 9 minutes. Add chili powder, sugar, salt, cumin, and bay leaf. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook, stirring, until evenly browned.
Stir in tomato paste, beef broth and corn meal.
Reduce heat to low and simmer until very thick, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. To assemble, grill them, then split them down the center. Run a line of mustard down the split, then top them with chili and chopped onions. Makes about 20 servings of hot dog chili on chili dogs.
Have a great week!
Happy Eating!
Tonja
Tonja’s Table
I lived in DC in the late 80s, and my favorite splurge was a bowl of chili at the Key Hole Inn on the Weekends. I once sent a request to the Washington Post’s Food person asking if he/she could track down the recipe, since the KHI closed in 1989 or thereabouts. Nothing. In making a search again, it seems like this recipe might be very similar. Key Hole’s recipe was so hot…but the flavors were so good. I understood they used suet in their recipe. This Ben’s Chili Bowl recipe appears to be very close and there may even be a relationship between the owners and the Key Hole Inn. I have read so many different blogs, etc. that I may be wrong about that. At any rate, I am about to make this recipe! Excited!
Oh please let me know what you think after you try it. I loved hearing about Key Hole Inn!
Now that there’s a decent ground beef substitute out there (Beyond Beef), I may see if I can make a healthier version. I’ll let you know how it comes out!
Yes, please do–great idea!!
Made the recipe it’s absolutely delicious ! Looking forward to trying some more of your recipes GOD BLESS.
I’m so happy you tried it and enjoyed! God Bless!
Did you drain the grease? Or brown prior to adding the beef?
I didn’t drain the beef but you certainly could! I didn’t have a lot of fat to drain.
I just saw a TV commentary on “Ben’s Chili Bowl” restaurant in DC. I found this recipe when doing an online search for a “copy cat” version.
I have never been to Ben’s, but I am going to try making this. As a proud Texan, I enjoy a good bowl of chili on occaion.
My family (both parents) were born and raised in St Joseph, Missouri. My grandfather owned a bakery, Rosebud bakery, named after my grandmother Rose Budnek. They made some special buns for a local restaurant called the “Bucket Shop”. The signature menu item there was a kind of “SloppyJoe” or loose meat sandwich of sorts.
My grandparents handed down to me a recipe for “Grandpa Hager’s Chili Sauce” that I think may be one of the special ingredients making this chili so distinct and delicious. Grandpa Hager was Rose’s father. The recipe calls for 2 bushels of tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar and a variety of 8 dry spices. I intend to substitute this for the tomato paste in your version and see how it goes. Wish me luck!
This is a great story! I love a good chili sauce recipe. Best of luck on the chili and let me know how it goes. 🙂
The combination of chili and a hotdog it’s a wonderful thing… The chili is here of the taste/flavor… It would’ve been helpful if we had more information about part two of the combination… The hotdog/sausage… Thank you for the recipe…
Thanks for the feedback–We used Nathans hot dogs in our recipe!
Have made it twice, and loved it. My wife is a huge Ben’s fan and also loved it. Thank you.
I’m so glad you’ve made this and love Ben’s! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
Ben’s chili Bowl is a must bust in DC. To me the chili is more sauce than a stand alone food. I guy I worked with calls it “Club Hot Dog” because of the music blaring and social scene it is at night.
I love the name club hot dog! And I agree on the sauce vs. chili. Craving it right now!
Ok, I’m a huge sucker for chilli dogs! I cannot wait to try this tomorrow! I’m guessing I will be the only one eating them, so I’m hoping the sauce freezes fine, I’m sure it will! Thanks for the recipe, I had never heard of the joint! I will try to remember to post an actual comment after my first bite
Let me know what you think! We would be friends. I’m a sucker for chili dogs too! 🙂