Simmering Glory: Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe That Wows

Crafting an incredible hot dog chili in your crockpot brings comfort right to your plate.

Slow cooking transforms humble ingredients into a rich, hearty companion for your favorite franks.

Weekend gatherings demand something special that sparks conversation and satisfies hungry crowds.

Each spoonful carries deep, robust flavors that dance between tangy and warm spices.

Our simple method ensures anyone can master this classic dish without stress.

Low and slow cooking lets ingredients meld beautifully, creating depth most stovetop versions cannot match.

Why This Hot Dog Chili Stands Out

• Versatile Serving Options: Elevate multiple dishes by topping hot dogs, burgers, or fries with this rich, flavorful chili that transforms ordinary meals into delicious comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Favorite: Perfect for game days, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers, this simple chili recipe satisfies both kids and adults with its classic, hearty taste and smooth texture.
• Foolproof Slow Cooker Magic: Leverage the crockpot's low-maintenance cooking method to create a consistently delicious chili without constant monitoring or complex culinary skills.

What You Need for Hot Dog Chili

• Ground Beef: Classic protein packed with rich flavor.

• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base for hearty chili.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy flavor booster.

• Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Zesty and complex flavor additions.
• Chili Powder: Warm and spicy seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning staples.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness balancer.
• Onion Powder: Savory background note.

• Water: Helps break down and cook ground beef.

Steps to Make Hot Dog Chili

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab a medium skillet and place it over medium heat.

Combine ground beef with water and gently break down the meat while cooking.

Your goal is to create super fine meat crumbles that will give the chili an amazing smooth texture.

Step 2: Remove Excess Liquid

Once the meat is fully cooked, drain away any remaining water or grease.

This crucial step helps prevent your chili from becoming too oily or runny.

Step 3: Transfer Meat to Slow Cooker

Carefully move the perfectly browned beef into your crockpot, preparing for the flavor magic.

Step 4: Blend Flavor Boosters

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Onion powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients are completely integrated.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to LOW heat and let the chili simmer for 2 to 2½ hours.

Resist the temptation to peek inside – keep that lid sealed to maintain consistent cooking temperature.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your hot dog chili is ready to be spooned over hot dogs, burgers, or crispy fries.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Hot Dog Chili Perfection

• Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break down ground beef into tiny pieces while cooking, creating a smooth, traditional hot dog chili texture.
• Pat the cooked beef with paper towels to remove extra grease, preventing a heavy, oily chili that could make your dish feel weighed down.
• Customize heat by increasing chili powder for bolder flavor or reducing it for milder tastes, making the recipe adaptable to different preferences.
• Keep crockpot lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss, ensuring rich, developed flavors.
• Enjoy this chili beyond hot dogs by topping nachos, baked potatoes, or using as a hearty dip for chips, expanding its culinary potential.

Storing and Warming Up Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Sides for Hot Dog Chili

• Pair with Classic Beer Buddies: Crack open a cold lager or light amber ale that cuts through the rich chili's heartiness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Create Soda Splash Combo: Grab an ice-cold root beer or classic cola to complement the chili's tangy and slightly sweet profile, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Craft Crisp Side Salad Companion: Prepare a fresh, zesty green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a light, refreshing contrast against the heavy, meaty chili sauce.
• Match with Crunchy Accompaniments: Serve alongside crisp dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese cubes, or buttery crackers to add texture and additional savory notes to the hot dog chili.

Chili Flavor Mixes

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that maintains the classic chili flavor.
• Vegetarian Chili Option: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless alternative that still delivers rich texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder for those who love extra heat in their hot dog chili.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat for this chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The cooking method remains the same.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

No, this hot dog chili is mild and kid-friendly. If you want more heat, you can add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness.

• Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crockpot?

Yes, breaking up the ground beef in a skillet with water helps create a smoother texture and removes excess fat before slow cooking.

• Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Slow-cooker crockpot hot dog chili delivers hearty comfort straight from classic American kitchens. Bold spices and rich beef simmer together, creating a mouthwatering sauce perfect for topping hot dogs or enjoying as a standalone meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (use a lean cut like 90/10)

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) water

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or minced onion

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef with water in a skillet, meticulously breaking down the meat into ultra-fine fragments for a velvety chili consistency.
2. Cook the beef over medium heat, continuously fragmenting the meat to achieve a smooth, uniform texture.
3. Thoroughly drain the cooked beef, eliminating excess liquid and grease to prevent a heavy, oily final product.
4. Transfer the drained beef directly into the crockpot, preparing for flavor infusion.
5. Pour tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce over the beef, creating a rich, tangy liquid base.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder across the mixture, ensuring comprehensive seasoning distribution.
7. Gently stir all ingredients until perfectly integrated, developing a harmonious flavor profile.
8. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the chili to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 2 to 2½ hours.
9. Resist opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and preserve moisture.
10. Once cooking completes, stir the chili to redistribute seasonings and enhance overall texture.
11. Ladle the hot chili generously over hot dogs, hamburgers, or crispy french fries for a delectable topping.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful chili.
• Break down the meat into ultra-fine pieces while cooking to achieve a traditional hot dog chili texture that coats food perfectly.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent watery or oily chili, ensuring a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Experiment with spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 2½ hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg