Name: Taco Hot Dog Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 all-beef hot dogs; 6 hot dog buns; 1/2 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup salsa; 1/4 cup Tex-Mex cheese (shredded); White onion (diced); Fresh cilantro (chopped)

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Turn taco night into a flavor fiesta with this loaded taco hot dog recipe topped with seasoned beef, salsa, cheese, and fresh toppings!

Hot dogs make the perfect summer meal. There is something so comforting about eating a perfectly cooked hot dog on a toasted bun.

But sometimes I want a bit more than the basic hot dog with ketchup and mustard. Our family has tried all kinds of variations, like Chicago and New York-style, a Coney Island hot dog, and a Mexican version.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Today I am sharing yet another version with you. This easy taco dog recipe is great mashup of two already awesome foods and makes for a fun alternative on taco night.

I start with our go-to hot dogs and load them up with meat, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Then everyone adds their favorite toppings, a handful of tortilla chips or corn chips on the side, and we’re set.

My whole family loves these Mexican chili dogs and so will yours!

Taco Hot Dogs

These taco dogs would make a great hot dog bar option too. Besides having the traditional hot dog toppings available, include all your favorite taco toppings on the buffet as well. Your guests will love the variety.

How Long Do You Cook Hot Dogs?

Hot dogs may be cooked in a slow cooker on high for 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
When boiling hot dogs, cook them for 4-6 minutes. Learn how to boil hot dogs in this post.
Hot dogs can be cooked on the BBQ grill for 7-10 minutes.
Smoked hot dogs take 60 minutes to cook when smoked at 225 degrees F.
Baked hot dogs in the oven take about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Learn how to bake hot dogs in this post.
Air fry hot dogs for 5-7 minutes at 300 degrees F.

Ingredients

All-beef hot dogs – Juicy and flavorful, Harvest brand is our favorite! They are the perfect base for all those taco-inspired toppings.
Hot dog buns – Soft hoagie-style buns help hold every delicious bite without falling apart.
Lean ground beef – Seasoned taco beef adds savory flavor and turns these hot dogs into a filling family meal. You could also use hot dog sauce.
Taco seasoning – A blend of bold spices, use a store-bought package or try this homemade version.
Sour cream – Cool and creamy sour cream balances the spicy and savory toppings perfectly.
Salsa – Fresh salsa adds zesty flavor, juicy texture, and a little kick of heat to every bite. I always choose our homemade canned salsa first!
Tex-Mex cheese, shredded – Cheddar cheese can be used instead of the Tex-Mex blend.
White onion, diced – Crisp diced onion adds crunch and a burst of fresh flavor.
Fresh cilantro, chopped – Bright cilantro gives these taco dogs a fresh finish.

Taco hot dog with taco meat inside the bun.

Instructions

1. Prepare toppings. Dice vegetables and shred the cheese.

2. In a small frying pan, brown ground beef, drain, and add taco seasoning.

3. Cook hot dogs in a large pot of boiling water for 6 minutes.

4. Serve hot dogs in a fresh bun.

5. Add taco toppings to your liking.

Hot dogs in buns with taco meat and sour cream topping.

Topping Suggestions

Make this taco hot dog recipe yours by adding any number of festive toppings! The options are endless.

Instead of using buns, make your hot dogs in a taco shell or use flour or corn tortillas.
Pickled red onion
Green chilies
Jalapeno slices
Black olives
Plain ground beef
Cotija cheese
Mix taco seasoning into the sour cream.
Taco sauce
Lime juice

Taco hot dog with salsa and sour cream toppings.

Tips and Tricks

To get the best results with this simple recipe, use quality ingredients, like all-beef hot dogs.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the hot dogs are cooked thoroughly.
Leftover hot dogs may be cooled and then stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. You can microwave hot dogs to reheat them to use for later.

Hot dogs with taco toppings on a wooden cutting board.

Switch up taco Tuesday with these fun taco hot dogs. For more yummy takes on the humble hot dog, try these options!

Must-Try Hot Dog Varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill taco hot dogs instead of boiling them?
Absolutely! Grilling hot dogs adds smoky flavor and crispy edges that pair perfectly with taco toppings. Cook them over medium heat for about 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally.

What are the best toppings for taco hot dogs?
Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, pickled onions, black olives, taco sauce, crushed tortilla chips, and extra cheese.

Can I make taco hot dogs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the taco meat, shred the cheese, and chop toppings ahead of time. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve.

What kind of hot dogs work best for this recipe?
All-beef hot dogs are usually the most flavorful and hold up well with hearty toppings. Larger hot dogs also work great if you’re loading them with lots of taco fixings.

How do I keep hot dog buns from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the buns before assembling the taco dogs. This helps them stay sturdy and adds extra flavor and texture too.

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