Double Turkey Dog

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Turkey (shredded from leftover roasted turkey)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean preferred)
• 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce (plain, no added herbs)
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 4 pieces Hot Dog Buns (soft, split but not fully opened)
• ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional topping)
• 2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños (optional, sliced)

Instructions

1. Shred Leftover Turkey

   Remove any skin or bones from the cooked turkey, then use two forks to pull the meat into fine shreds. Set aside in a bowl.

   Time: PT10M

2. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat the large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, then add the diced onion. Cook until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

3. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 6‑8 minutes, draining excess fat if desired.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: Medium

4. Build the Chili Base

   Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, then add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Simmer the Chili

   Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld.

   Time: PT25M

   Temperature: Low

6. Combine Turkey with Chili

   Fold the shredded turkey into the simmering chili, mixing until evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the turkey through.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Low

7. Toast the Buns (Optional)

   While the chili finishes, split the hot dog buns lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Lightly toast the inside of each bun on a clean skillet or grill pan for 1‑2 minutes until golden.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Assemble the Tandem Turkey Dogs

   Spoon a generous amount of the turkey‑beef chili down the center of each bun. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños if desired.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

520

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

5 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Cooked Turkey: Cooked chicken, Cooked pork
• Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
• Instead of Onion: shallot, green onion
• Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (1.5 cups)
• Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes (1 cup)
• Instead of Chili Powder: cayenne pepper (1 tsp) + paprika (1 tbsp)
• Instead of Ground Cumin: coriander powder (1 tsp)
• Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika (1 tsp)
• Instead of Salt: sea salt
• Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
• Instead of Hot Dog Buns: soft rolls, pretzel buns
• Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend
• Instead of Pickled Jalapeños: fresh jalapeños (thinly sliced)

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Serving Plate

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Shredding the turkey to a uniform texture
• Browning the ground beef without over‑cooking
• Simmering the chili long enough to develop depth of flavor
• Ensuring the chili is seasoned before adding the turkey

Chef Tips from the Video

• For extra heat, add a dash of chipotle in adobo sauce to the chili.
• Use a mix of smoked paprika and regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• If you have leftover turkey skin, crisp it in a pan and crumble on top for texture.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover chili and shredded turkey in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze the chili (without buns) in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat gently before assembling.

Room temperature: Assembled dogs should be consumed within 2 hours of preparation.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the all‑beef chili a day ahead; it tastes better after the flavors meld overnight.
• Shred the turkey and store it separately; combine just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions