If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting topping that brilliantly elevates your hot dogs, this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of rich ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a mix of bold spices that slowly meld together in your crockpot to create that mouthwatering chili sauce. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard cookout or just want a quick weeknight dinner idea, this recipe promises ease, hearty flavor, and that nostalgic taste everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s building savory depth, adding tang, or balancing sweetness. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics, you’ll have everything you need to make a chili that’s deliciously rich, well-rounded, and perfect for topping hot dogs.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: The hearty base that gives the chili its satisfying texture and rich flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when cooked down with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings vibrant aroma and depth to every bite.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: The luscious, tangy foundation that binds the chili together.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and thickens the chili for that perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: A little tang that brightens and balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami notes that deepen the chili’s savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: The star spice delivering classic chili warmth and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Provides a subtle nutty, spicy undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and brings out sweetness.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps simmer the chili into a luscious, saucy topping perfect for hot dogs.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink left. This step is crucial because browning the beef develops rich flavors that become the backbone of your chili. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep your chili from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Sauté
After draining the beef, add the minced garlic directly into the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it fragrant and soft because it adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the chili base.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot and Combine Ingredients
Transfer your seasoned beef and onion mixture into your crockpot. Now stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, sugar, and water. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite of chili is packed with balanced, amazing flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chili
Seal your crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking melts the flavors together into a luscious, thick chili that’s ideal as a hot dog topping. Give it a stir occasionally if you can to keep everything well combined.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, always taste your chili. This final step lets you tweak the seasoning to your liking—maybe a pinch more salt, a dash of cayenne for heat, or more mustard to brighten the tang. Personalizing it makes this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe truly your own.
How to Serve Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, or a dollop of sour cream can bring an exciting contrast in textures and flavors. Fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add freshness and a pop of color that’s so inviting.
Side Dishes
The classic sides of crispy French fries or crunchy coleslaw are perfect companions. You could also try serving your hot dog chili with a simple green salad or even buttery baked potatoes for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, turn your chili into a dip and serve it with tortilla chips for game day, or spoon it over baked nachos for a fun twist. You can also use this chili as a base for stuffed peppers or chili cheese fries. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This crockpot hot dog chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If refrigerated, simply heat gently until simmering. This keeps the flavors bright and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes for a leaner chili, though it may produce a milder flavor. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly for the best texture.
Is this chili spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has moderate heat thanks to chili powder and paprika but is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you want an extra kick.
Can I prepare this chili without a crockpot?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. After browning the beef and onions, combine everything in a pot and simmer gently for an hour, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe is traditionally meat-based, you can substitute ground plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth to enjoy a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful.
How long can leftovers stay in the fridge?
Leftovers will remain safe and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to store them in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves that perfect chili topping full of flavor and comforting warmth. It’s a no-fuss, slow-cooked delight that lets you come home to a ready-made, delicious meal every time. So, gather your ingredients, turn on that crockpot, and get ready to serve up some seriously tasty hot dogs that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Hot Dog Chili made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices. This easy slow cooker recipe creates the perfect chili topping for hot dogs, packed with rich and classic American flavors, cooked low and slow for tender, delicious results.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking the meat into fine crumbles for a smoother texture. Drain excess grease to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release its flavor without burning.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Mix: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, sugar, and water. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to blend flavors evenly and prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm chili as a topping over cooked hot dogs for a classic and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a smoother chili texture, break the beef into very fine crumbles while browning.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
