Joey Chestnut is getting hungry … telling TMZ Sports he’s ready to “drop the hammer” in his big return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest come July 4 — and he’s got an INSANE goal in mind.

We caught up with the world’s greatest eater fresh off the news he would again be competing in the Independence Day tradition after a year away due to sponsorship drama … and he’s looking to make up for lost time.

“You have to go without something in order to know how much you appreciate it,” Chestnut said. “I’m definitely hungry for this year. Two and a half weeks, I’m going to be putting down some hot dogs.”

As for HOW dominant … Chestnut said it would be a “dream” if he could eclipse 80 tube steaks in the tummy once the 10-minute timer goes off — which would be four more than his event record.

Jaws admitted it was “tough” to sit out his Super Bowl … but said his fellow competitors speaking out on wanting him back in the mix goes to show how the eating community truly is special.

Chestnut also weighed in on the rift with Major League Eating … and he said once both sides actually got to talking again, they were able to reach a common ground.

But now that that’s behind them?? Jaws said there’s only one thing left to do.

Joey Chestnut just announced he’ll be competing in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this year … officially ending his beef with the annual Fourth of July tradition.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Jaws said minutes ago. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”

As we previously reported, the world’s most popular eater did not participate in the 2024 contest due to his sponsorship with Impossible Foods … with Chestnut and Major League Eating disagreeing on whether it went against the rules.

“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground,” he added.

“I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”

This all lines up with what we were told last week — that both sides badly wanted Chestnut back on board for 2025.

The guy who won last year — Patrick Bertoletti — told us it didn’t feel right without Jaws around … and he would love to see his buddy on stage next month, even though it meant he’d probably lose his mustard belt in the process.

Bertoletti ate 58 tube steaks to win it all last year … and Joey downed 83 in a one-on-one with his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi, weeks later.