Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a savory, crowd-pleasing topping that elevates your favorite dishes, from classic hot dogs to crispy french fries and juicy burgers. This homemade chili recipe is specifically designed for slow-cooking, which helps to develop a deep, rich flavor profile that’s hard to achieve with faster cooking methods. Using a crockpot not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to blend thoroughly, resulting in a perfect topping that’s deliciously thick and flavorful.
This recipe brings together lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and just the right amount of spices, creating a comforting chili that pairs beautifully with various foods. Using 90/10 ground beef ensures a leaner, less greasy consistency, ideal for a topping that won’t overwhelm the dish. The addition of familiar condiments, like ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, creates a unique balance of tanginess and sweetness that makes this chili a standout.
For anyone looking for a simple yet delicious recipe, this crockpot chili is a fantastic choice. With its versatility, you can use it in creative ways beyond hot dogs, such as topping loaded nachos, baked potatoes, or even mixing it with macaroni for a quick, hearty meal. The simplicity of using a slow cooker makes it a go-to for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili requires a short list of straightforward ingredients, each adding depth to the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground beef – Opt for a lean cut like 90/10 ground beef for a healthier, less greasy chili.
- ⅓ cup water – Helps break down the ground beef in the initial cooking stage.
- 5 ounces of tomato sauce – Adds a smooth, rich tomato base.
- ½ cup ketchup – Provides sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – Adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Introduces a depth of umami flavor. Learn more about Worcestershire sauce and its culinary benefits.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder – Key to adding the classic chili taste.
- ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and sugar – Balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder or minced onion – Adds a mild oniony aroma without overpowering the chili.
These ingredients combine to create a robust flavor profile perfect for topping hot dogs or french fries.
Essential Tools and Equipment
To prepare this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Slow cooker (or crockpot) – Essential for letting the chili flavors meld over time. Learn more about slow cookers and their benefits for cooking.
- Medium skillet – For browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in balancing flavors.
- Stirring spoon – To mix ingredients thoroughly in the crockpot.
- Strainer – Useful for draining any excess grease from the ground beef, ensuring a cleaner, leaner chili.
Having these tools ready helps make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delicious, savory Crockpot Hot Dog Chili that’s perfect for topping hot dogs, french fries, or burgers:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef along with ⅓ cup of water. Adding water at this stage helps to break down the meat as it cooks, allowing you to achieve a finer, smoother texture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to continuously break up the beef, ensuring it cooks evenly. - Drain Excess Grease:
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove any excess grease or liquid using a strainer. This step is crucial for creating a chili that isn’t overly oily, especially since the recipe calls for lean 90/10 ground beef. Lean beef is ideal for chili recipes, providing a hearty texture without excessive fat. - Transfer to the Crockpot:
Add the drained beef to your slow cooker. Set the crockpot on low heat to allow for slow and steady cooking, which enhances the depth of flavors in this chili recipe. - Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Add the 5 ounces of tomato sauce, ½ cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. For a touch of warmth, stir in 2 teaspoons of chili powder. Add ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, sugar, and onion powder (or minced onion). Each ingredient plays an important role in developing a balanced, slightly tangy chili perfect for topping. - Slow-Cook for 2-2½ Hours:
Stir all ingredients until well combined, then cover the crockpot. Let the chili cook on LOW for about 2 to 2½ hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and can lengthen the cooking time. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, serve this rich, delicious chili over hot dogs, burgers, or french fries for an easy, flavorful addition to any meal.
Following these steps ensures that your chili has a smooth, flavorful consistency, perfect for topping and enhancing various dishes.
Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Creating the ideal Crockpot Hot Dog Chili requires a few tips and tricks to ensure the flavors are spot-on and the texture is just right. Here are some essential tips:
- Choose the Right Ground Beef
Using lean 90/10 ground beef helps prevent the chili from becoming too greasy, giving it a cleaner, smoother finish. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can opt for 85/15 ground beef, but be sure to drain the excess grease thoroughly. - Adjust Spice Levels to Taste
The 2 teaspoons of chili powder in this recipe add a mild warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you enjoy spicier chili, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to turn up the heat. Alternatively, if you’re serving a crowd with different spice preferences, keep it mild and offer toppings like hot sauce or jalapeños on the side. - Achieve the Perfect Consistency
This recipe uses ketchup and tomato sauce for a thick, smooth consistency that clings well to hot dogs and fries. If you prefer a slightly thicker chili, try reducing the water or cooking the chili for an additional 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar. For a thinner consistency, add a splash more tomato sauce or water. - Make It Sweeter or Savory
This chili has a balanced flavor, but you can tweak it based on your preference. If you like a bit more sweetness, try adding an extra pinch of sugar or use a ketchup that’s slightly sweeter. For a more savory depth, a dash of smoked paprika or cumin can add a subtle smokiness. - Try Different Onion Options
While this recipe calls for onion powder, fresh minced onion or even a touch of garlic powder can add complexity. If you choose fresh onion, sauté it with the beef in the skillet for a richer base flavor.
These adjustments allow you to customize your hot dog chili, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is not only versatile but also enhances a variety of dishes with its rich, savory flavor. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Hot Dog Topping
Spread a generous spoonful of chili over a grilled hot dog, then add toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, or a drizzle of mustard. This combination brings out the best flavors in both the chili and the hot dog. - Chili Cheese Fries
For a twist on classic fries, pour warm chili over a plate of crispy french fries and sprinkle with shredded cheese. You can also add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or chives for a loaded chili cheese fry experience. - Burgers and Sliders
Spread a layer of this chili over hamburgers or sliders for an extra savory topping. It pairs well with traditional burger toppings like pickles, onions, and melted cheese. Learn more about hamburgers and their delicious topping combinations. - Nachos or Baked Potatoes
Use this chili as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes for a filling, hearty meal. Add jalapeños, guacamole, or sour cream for a Mexican-inspired twist.
This chili is ideal for a range of meals and can be customized with toppings to fit various tastes, making it a must-have for any gathering or family dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is just as delicious the next day and can be easily stored and reheated. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers
After the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container or bag; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can either use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. On the stovetop, place the chili in a small saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until heated. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture
If the chili has thickened in the fridge, add a tablespoon of water or tomato sauce during reheating to restore the ideal consistency without diluting the flavor.
These tips make it easy to enjoy your chili later without sacrificing flavor.
Variations on Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust ingredients and flavors based on dietary preferences or taste. Here are some popular variations:
- Vegetarian Version
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or black beans to make a vegetarian-friendly chili. For added texture, you can include diced mushrooms or lentils, which provide a hearty, satisfying consistency similar to beef. - Low-Sugar Option
To reduce the sugar in this chili, you can replace ketchup with a no-sugar-added variety or use a smaller amount and add more tomato sauce instead. The onion powder and Worcestershire sauce will still provide plenty of flavor without the added sweetness. - Add More Spice
If you enjoy a spicier chili, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick. Crushed red pepper flakes also add heat without changing the chili’s texture. For even more flavor, stir in fresh minced garlic or a pinch of cumin, which enhances the depth of the chili. - Thicker and Heartier Chili
For those who enjoy a chunky, thicker chili, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes. These not only add a thicker texture but also boost the nutritional value of the chili. Learn more about bell peppers and their nutritional benefits.
Experimenting with these variations allows you to personalize the chili to your taste, making it a versatile topping or filling for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a spicier twist, this recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your needs.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about Crockpot Hot Dog Chili to help you make the perfect batch.
- Can I make this chili without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - How can I make the chili thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the water or let the chili cook with the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it. - Is this chili recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild spice level, thanks to the chili powder. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re serving a large group. Just make sure your crockpot can accommodate the larger quantity, and expect to add an additional 30-45 minutes to the cooking time. - What are good toppings for hot dog chili?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, diced onions, and jalapeños. For more ideas, check out this Pinterest board of creative hot dog toppings to explore endless topping possibilities.
These FAQs provide solutions to common questions, making it easier to adjust and enjoy your chili exactly as you like it.
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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Description
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is the ultimate savory topping, perfect for hot dogs, french fries, and burgers. Slow-cooked to perfection, this chili is thick, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice that balances each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (use a lean cut like 90/10)
- ⅓ cup water
- 5 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder or minced onion
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and water. Break up the beef as it cooks until it’s as fine as possible for a smoother chili texture. - Drain the Beef
Once cooked, drain any remaining water or grease. This step ensures the chili isn’t overly greasy. - Transfer to the Crockpot
Add the beef to your slow cooker. - Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder until well combined. - Cook on Low
Set the crockpot to LOW and cook for 2 to 2½ hours. Avoid lifting the lid to keep the cooking steady. - Serve
Serve on hot dogs, burgers, or fries, and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjusting Thickness
If the chili seems too thick, add a little more water or tomato sauce. For a thicker consistency, let the chili cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. - Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. - Spice Level
This recipe is mildly spiced with chili powder. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
