Burgers
Sonic Inspired Chili Cheese Coney
A grilled all-beef hot dog in a soft bun, covered with smooth beef chili and a generous layer of finely shredded cheddar.
Inspired by Sonic Drive-In
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Method
Recipe notes
The topping is a smooth hot-dog chili rather than chunky bowl chili. Grating the onion and breaking the beef into tiny crumbles lets it cling to the dog, while finely shredded cheese softens quickly without a separate melting step.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate chili and cooked hot dogs separately within 2 hours for up to 4 days. Reheat both to 165°F and warm fresh buns only at serving time; freeze chili alone for up to 3 months.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare the chili up to 3 days ahead; its texture improves after chilling. Shred cheese and dice onion a day ahead, but keep buns sealed at room temperature until assembly.
What to serve with it
- - Crisp tater tots
- - Dill pickle spears
- - Vinegar-based coleslaw
Equipment needed
- - Medium saucepan
- - Skillet or grill pan
- - Stiff whisk or wooden spoon
Difficulty explained
This is an easy recipe; the only detail that matters is reducing the chili until it stays on the hot dog without becoming dry.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
610
Protein
31g
Carbs
35g
Fat
39g
Sat. fat
16g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
7g
Sodium
1510mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Monterey Jack
Use the same amount of freshly shredded Monterey Jack.
Ground turkey
Use an equal weight of 85-93% lean ground turkey.
Turkey hot dogs
Use the same number of turkey hot dogs for a leaner coney or sandwich.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Large beef chunks slide off the hot dog, so crumble aggressively during the first minutes of cooking.
- Reducing the chili until dry makes it grainy; stop when it mounds softly and loosens with a spoon stroke.
- Wet or overheated buns split under the toppings, so steam them only until warm and flexible.
Nutrition Context
- The hot dog, chili, and cheese make this high in protein but also sodium and saturated fat.
- A vinegar-based vegetable side offers freshness and fiber without adding another rich topping.
FAQ
Why is the chili so smooth?
Hot-dog chili uses very small beef crumbles and grated onion so the topping spreads evenly and stays on the coney.
Can I use leftover bowl chili?
Yes, but chop or mash large pieces and simmer it until thick enough to cling to the hot dog.
How do I melt the cheese better?
Use finely shredded room-temperature cheddar and add it immediately over piping-hot chili, then tent for 30 seconds if needed.
Can I grill the hot dogs?
Yes. Grill over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until browned and steaming through.
Can I freeze the assembled coneys?
Freeze the chili separately. Assembled buns become soggy, and cheese texture suffers on thawing.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Tater tots, pickle spears, and bright vinegar slaw provide crisp, acidic contrast.