Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili

What Is A Chili Dog?

A chili dog is a popular American dish that consists of a hot dog (also known as a frankfurter or wiener) that is topped with chili con carne and typically served in a bun. It is a quintessential food for sporting events, fairs, picnics, and home barbeques.

While regular chili is typically made with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices, hot dog chili is all about the meat! It's made with ground beef that is cooked up with a blend of seasonings and a tomato-based sauce, creating a thick and hearty topping that is perfect for hot dogs.

Regular chili is often eaten as a meal on its own, whereas hot dog chili is specifically designed to be a topping for hot dogs, giving them that extra oomph of flavor and texture.

Hot dog chili is a versatile topping that can be used on a variety of different types of food. You can use hot dog chili as a dip for your favorite chips or veggies or as a topping for baked potatoes or French fries. You can even use it as a filling for tacos or burritos or use it on top of nachos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This hot dog chili recipe is flavorful, with a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
• It's incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of using a crock pot.
• Chili dogs are a classic American dish that is perfect for a variety of occasions, from lazy weekend cookouts to quick weeknight meals.
• This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use the hot dog chili as a topping for a variety of dishes beyond just hot dogs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef - The main protein source for the chili and adds beefy flavor and texture.
• Beef Broth - Adds richness and depth of flavor to the chili and also helps to create a thicker consistency.
• Tomato Sauce - Gives the chili its signature tomato-based flavor and adds moisture.
• Ketchup - Provides a slight sweetness and helps to balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Yellow Mustard - Adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a complex, umami flavor, enhancing the meaty flavor of ground beef.
• Chili Powder - adds a spicy kick to the chili and provides a depth of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper - Brings out the natural flavors in the dish.
• Garlic (minced) - Adds a pungent garlic flavor that pairs well with the rest of the ingredients.
• Brown Sugar - Adds sweetness and depth of molasses flavor to the chili, balancing out the acidity.
• Onion Powder - Adds a sweet and slightly pungent onion flavor.

How To Make Hot Dog Chili In The Crock Pot

Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess oil off the ground beef, then add it to the crock pot.

Assemble the chili: To the ground beef, add the beef broth, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce chili powder, garlic, brown sugar, onion powder, and salt and pepper.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, making sure to stir occasionally.

Serve and enjoy: Place a hot dog inside a bun and ladle the chili on top. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• To ensure that your hot dog chili has the perfect texture, be sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it. This will help prevent the chili from becoming too greasy.
• If you prefer your chili to be spicier, you can adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. You can also add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes.
• For best results, use a high-quality beef broth to enhance the richness and depth of flavor.
• If you want to save time, you can prep all of the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the chili.
• To add some extra texture and flavor to your chili dog, consider topping it with your favorite ingredients, such as grated cheese, diced onions, or pickled jalapenos.

Variations

• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute ground beef with a meatless alternative, such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• For a lightened-up version, you can use lean ground beef and reduce the amount of brown sugar and ketchup.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the crock pot.
• To make this recipe even easier, you can use a store-bought chili seasoning mix instead of measuring out the individual spices.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store leftover hot dog chili, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the chili cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ

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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