Spice up your taste buds with this taco hot dog recipe! Mexican chili dogs infused with bold flavors, a fiesta of toppings, and a kick of salsa heat!

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. Chili dogs are always delicious too.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 them 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 should 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.

Ingredients

All beef hot dogs – Harvest brand are our favorites!
Hot dog buns – large hoagie style buns are great for this recipe because they can hold a lot of toppings.
Lean ground beef – browned to add to the dogs. You could also use hot dog sauce.
Taco seasoning – from a package or homemade.
Sour cream – pick whichever is your favorite.
Salsa – I always choose our homemade canned salsa first!
Tex-Mex cheese, shredded – cheddar cheese can be used instead.)
White onion, diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Taco hot dog with taco meat inside the bun.

Instructions

Prepare toppings. Dice vegetables and shred the cheese.
In a small frying pan, brown ground beef, drain and add taco seasoning.
Cook hot dogs in a large pot of boiling water for 6 minutes.
Serve hot dogs in a fresh bun.
Add taco toppings to your liking.

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

Toppings 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 tortilla 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 pineapple teriyaki or tortilla dogs. These chili dog sliders are amazing too!

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