Crockpot hot dog chili is loaded with beef and zesty spices to create a rich, meaty, slightly spicy chili perfect for topping your dogs, brats, or sausages. It's the perfect hot dog chili!
Chili cheese dogs are a classic summer treat, and when the warm weather finally comes, I make this topping regularly. It only takes a few hours, and when I'm done, I have a zesty, beefy hot dog chili that always has everyone coming back for more.
This recipe was inspired by my classic chili recipe. I tweaked it a bit by removing the beans and making it thicker to create the classic hot dog topping. I love to make it a classic meal by pairing my chili dogs with my creamy mac and cheese.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a zesty, meaty, slightly sweet chili topping perfect for your hot dogs.
- It's an easy crockpot recipe that's done in just a couple of hours.
- It's a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- It's a versatile topping for hot dogs, brats, sausages, baked potatoes, pasta, or even rice.
- It's freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Beef broth
- Tomato sauce
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic - minced
- Brown sugar
- Onion powder
See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- Use vegan ground beef, crumbled tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Use ground beef, pork, turkey, or even chorizo for this chili.
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a chunkier chili.
- Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- For an even easier chili recipe, use storebought chili seasoning mix instead of measuring out individual spices.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
1: Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain and add to the crock pot.
2: Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined.
3: Cook the chili until hot and the flavors have melded.
4: Serve over hot dogs with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Hint
Cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink and no further. Overcooked ground beef will get rubbery and lose its flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate this chili for up to 4 days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with as much air as possible removed.
To reheat the chili, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until heated through.
What to Serve with Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Serve your chili over your hot dogs and pair them with your favorite sides. It also makes a great topping for rice, baked potatoes, and even pasta.
Tips
- Drain your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot to prevent greasy chili.
- Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Save time by prepping the ingredients the night before you make the chili.
- If your chili seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth. If the chili seems to thin, remove the crockpot lid to allow evaporation to thicken it as it cooks.
Recipe FAQs
It's best to use a mix of ground beef with at least 80% lean and 20% fat. This will give your chili the perfect texture and flavor.
Yes, you can! Simply brown the ground beef and then add all of the chili ingredients to a large pot. Simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the chili has thickened.
This chili is delicious when served over white or brown rice, nachos, roasted potatoes, or even on top of a baked potato. It's also great served with cornbread or tortilla chips.
If you don't thoroughly drain your ground beef, it will make the chili greasy. Even lean ground beef releases some fat while it cooks.
Ground beef is easy. Simply cook it until it's no longer pink. That's it!
More Easy Crock Pot Recipes
- Crock Pot Chili Mac
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
- The Best Crock Pot Chili
- Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
- Best Crock Pot Baked Beans with Bacon
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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high head, add ground beef and cook until browned. About 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease and add to the crock pot.
- Add all the remaining ingredients and give everything a good stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 1½ - 2 hours stirring occasionally.
- Serve over hot dogs and top with favorite toppings.
Notes
- Enhance your chili dogs by adding these popular hot dog toppings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced white onions
- Jalapenos
- Relish
- Coleslaw
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Sauerkraut
- To prevent hot dog chili from thickening too quickly and to make the most of it, try adding a couple of tablespoons of water, beef broth, or even ketchup.
- To cook it on the stovetop, start by browning the ground beef and then combine all the chili ingredients in a large pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes while stirring occasionally until it thickens. It's as simple as that!
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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