When it comes to elevating your hot dogs, nothing beats a hearty, flavorful chili. And what’s better than making it as easy as possible with your slow cooker? This crockpot hot dog chili recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with rich flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, tailgating, or just looking for a family-friendly dinner idea, this chili will take your hot dog game to the next level. Stick with us as we share step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, serving suggestions, and even some handy storage tips.
Without further ado, let’s get you started on mastering this easy crockpot chili recipe for hot dogs!
Why Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is the Best
Making chili for your hot dogs in a crockpot comes with tons of perks. For starters, it’s super low-effort—just toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and deeply savory chili topping. Plus, since it’s made in bulk, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want to stock up your freezer with ready-to-use chili.
Unlike canned hot dog chili sauces, this homemade version is free of preservatives and full of ingredients you can feel good about. You’re in control of the spices, salt, and sweetness, meaning you can cater it to your taste buds and dietary needs.
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Here’s how to make the perfect hot dog chili in your crockpot, step by step.
Ingredients
To make this hot dog chili recipe truly exceptional, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry—they’re all pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store!
- 1 lb of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 15-oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 6-oz can of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- 1/3 cup water
Optional add-ins for extra flavor and spice:
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if you love some heat)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Ground Beef
- Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go, cook until the meat is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease before transferring the cooked beef to the crockpot.
- Tip: Browning the meat beforehand helps lock in flavor and prevents your chili from turning greasy.
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Add Aromatics
- Toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the same skillet you used for the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until the onions turn translucent. Add this mixture to the crockpot with the beef.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the crockpot. Pour in the water and stir everything until well combined.
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Cook Low and Slow
- Cover your crockpot and cook the chili on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors distribute evenly.
- The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together. Just make sure the heat setting isn’t too high to avoid the chili drying out.
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Taste and Adjust
- About 30 minutes before serving, give your chili a taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed—add extra chili powder for more spice or a touch more ketchup for sweetness. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
There you have it—rich, flavorful crockpot chili ready to top your hot dogs!
Tips for Customizing Your Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
This recipe offers a fantastic base, but there are countless ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire you!
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Beans or No Beans?
While traditional hot dog chili skips the beans, you can stir in a can of kidney beans or black beans for added texture and protein. -
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. -
Sweet and Spicy Twist
Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy-sweet flavor profile, or crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños. -
Cheesy Upgrade
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy chili topping.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot chili was born to sit atop a juicy hot dog nestled in a soft bun, but its possibilities don’t stop there! Here’s how you can serve it up as part of different dishes.
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Classic Chili Dogs
Spoon the chili over grilled hot dogs, sprinkle with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a drizzle of yellow mustard for an irresistible crowd-pleaser. -
Nacho Topping
Layer the chili over tortilla chips with melted queso, jalapeños, and sour cream for the ultimate snack. -
Chili Cheese Fries
Pour the chili over crispy French fries and top with a mixture of shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese. -
Sloppy Joes
Mix the chili with a little more ketchup and serve it in toasted hamburger buns for an easy twist on sloppy joes.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
This easy chili recipe for hot dogs is a meal prep dream! It stores beautifully and reheats in minutes.
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Refrigeration
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. -
Freezing
Make a large batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easier storage.- Tip: Label with the date to keep track of freshness!
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Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Wrapping Up
Making crockpot hot dog chili is a game-changer for your next barbecue, family dinner, or casual get-together. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Most importantly, it transforms every hot dog into a flavor-packed experience your guests will rave about.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own creative twist, this chili is sure to be the star of the show. With its easy preparation and big bold flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to this crockpot chili recipe time and time again.
Now it’s your turn. Grab your crockpot, prep those ingredients, and get ready to make the best homemade hot dog chili you’ve ever tasted. Your hot dogs deserve it, and so do you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Here’s a helpful FAQ section to clear up any questions you might have about this delicious crockpot hot dog chili recipe.
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. It cooks in the same way, and the spices and seasonings will bring out plenty of flavor.
2. Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the meat beforehand is highly recommended. This step locks in flavor, gives the chili a better texture, and removes excess grease that could make your chili oily.
3. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Of course! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, such as lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or finely chopped mushrooms. The seasonings and sauce will still deliver that rich chili flavor.
4. Can I add beans to this hot dog chili recipe?
While traditional hot dog chili doesn’t include beans, you can certainly add them if you prefer. Kidney beans or black beans work really well. Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the crockpot.
5. How do I make the chili spicier?
To add heat, try including a teaspoon of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. Red pepper flakes or chili peppers also work if you want to turn up the spice level.
6. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this crockpot chili is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it taste even better the next day.
7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. If freezing, portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
8. Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily and is great for feeding a large crowd. Just ensure your crockpot is big enough to hold the extra ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
9. What kind of hot dogs pair best with this chili?
You can use any kind of hot dog, but all-beef hot dogs are a classic choice and pair beautifully with the rich, savory chili. Grilled hot dogs add an extra layer of smoky flavor, but steamed or boiled work great too.
10. Can I use this chili for other dishes?
Definitely! This chili is versatile and works well as a topping for nachos, chili cheese fries, baked potatoes, or even as a filling for sloppy joes. Get creative and enjoy it in your favorite comfort food recipes!
11. What if my chili is too thick?
If your chili has thickened more than you’d like, simply stir in a little water or beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.
12. Can I skip the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, the sugar is optional. It’s included to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can leave it out or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
13. How long can I leave the chili in the crockpot?
You can leave the chili on the “Warm” setting in your crockpot for an additional 1-2 hours after it’s done cooking, making it easy to serve at your convenience during parties or gatherings.
With these FAQs, you’ll have all the confidence and know-how to make this crockpot chili for hot dogs your go-to recipe! Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor the recipe to fit your tastes.