Savory Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe That Sizzles With Flavor

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty crockpot hot dog chili recipe that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the chili brings together robust flavors and tender meat in a way that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Each spoonful delivers a rich, savory blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and perfectly balanced spices.

The crockpot method ensures deep, melding flavors that simmer and develop throughout the day.

No need to hover over the stove when you can let this chili cook itself to delicious greatness.

Serve it over hot dogs, alongside crispy cornbread, or enjoy it straight from the bowl for a meal that warms both body and soul.

Grab a ladle and prepare for a chili experience that will become your new go-to comfort classic.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Highlights

• Savor Speedy Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Protein: Switch between different meat cuts or seafood options to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this skillet recipe that uses the same pan for cooking steak, shrimp, and creating a delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines rich, bold flavors of seasoned steak and tender shrimp with aromatic garlic butter sauce that elevates the entire dining experience.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the foundation of this hearty chili sauce.

• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: These tomato-based ingredients provide a rich, tangy base for the chili sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complex savory flavor to the chili.
• Mustard: Contributes a subtle sharp and tangy note to the overall taste.

• Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that create the classic chili flavor profile.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato-based ingredients and rounds out the flavor.
• Onion Powder, Minced Onion: Provides a subtle onion flavor without adding chunky texture.

Water: Helps break down the ground beef during initial cooking and creates a smoother texture.

Instructions for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Step 1: Prep the Ground Beef

Grab a medium skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef with a splash of water.

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break down the meat into tiny, uniform pieces. Keep stirring and chopping until the beef looks like small crumbles.

Once fully cooked, carefully drain away any excess liquid or grease.

Step 2: Combine Flavorful Ingredients

Transfer the cooked beef into your trusty slow cooker.

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Onion powder (or minced onion)

Stir everything together until well mixed, ensuring the spices coat every bit of meat.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to LOW temperature. Let the chili simmer and meld its flavors for 2 to 2-1/2 hours.

Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your hot dog chili is ready to steal the show!

Spoon it generously over hot dogs, crispy french fries, or juicy burgers. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break down ground beef into tiny, uniform pieces for an authentic chili texture that coats hot dogs beautifully.
• Add water sparingly during cooking to prevent watery chili; drain excess grease completely for a rich, concentrated flavor that clings to food.
• Experiment with adding a splash of beer or a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the chili's complexity and create a more robust taste profile.
• Taste and fine-tune spices near the end of cooking, adding extra chili powder or a pinch of sugar to balance the overall flavor and heat level.

Flavor Variations for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Topping: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives like tempeh or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili Option: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat protein option that maintains the classic chili flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or increase chili powder to create a hotter, more intense chili sauce for heat-loving fans.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and condiments are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Pairing Ideas for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Pair Spicy Beer: Select a crisp lager or amber ale to complement the chili's rich, tangy flavors and cut through its hearty meatiness.
• Create Cooling Contrast: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the chili's warmth and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Crunchy Sides: Add crispy onion rings or buttery corn chips to introduce textural variety and enhance the overall eating experience.
• Match with Classic Beverage: Pour a classic root beer or cream soda to echo the nostalgic American diner-style comfort of hot dog chili.

Storage Advice for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Store hot dog chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Package chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
• Pour chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a little water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Why cook ground beef with water?

Water helps break down the beef into finer pieces and prevents clumping, creating a smoother, more consistent chili texture without large meat chunks.

• Can I use fresh onions instead of onion powder?

Yes, you can substitute minced fresh onions for onion powder. Use about 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions for the same flavor profile.

• How fine should the ground beef be?

The beef should be broken down into very small, almost crumbly pieces during cooking, similar to the texture found in traditional hot dog chili sauce.

• Do I need to brown the meat before adding to the crockpot?

No, the recipe calls for cooking the ground beef directly in the skillet with water, which eliminates the need for pre-browning.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Hot Dog Chili delivers classic comfort with bold southwestern flavors that dance across hungry palates. Simmering slowly, this robust chili promises rich meaty goodness perfect for casual gatherings and weekend game days you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) water
• 5 ounces (142 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) ketchup

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

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Instructions

1. Tenderize ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat by adding water, continuously breaking down meat into fine, consistent crumbles for optimal texture.
2. Thoroughly drain excess liquid and fat from the cooked ground beef to ensure a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
3. Transfer the finely crumbled beef into a slow cooker, preparing for flavor infusion.
4. Create a robust sauce by combining tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder, thoroughly mixing with the meat.
5. Slow cook the chili on LOW temperature for 2 to 2-1/2 hours, stirring periodically to develop deep, harmonious flavors and prevent scorching.
6. Once simmered to perfection, ladle the rich, savory chili over hot dogs, crispy french fries, or juicy burgers for a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Notes

• Finely chop ground beef to achieve a smooth, traditional chili texture that coats hot dogs perfectly without large meat chunks.
• Drain excess water and grease thoroughly to prevent watery or greasy chili sauce that might make buns soggy.
• Use low sodium seasonings if watching salt intake, allowing you to control overall sodium levels in the dish.
• Try alternative meat options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein variation that maintains classic chili flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg