Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is a game-changer in my tiny kitchen. Seriously, if you’ve ever found yourself in a pinch for dinner ideas, this one is as easy as it gets, and it packs a punch with flavor! I remember the first time I stumbled upon this recipe. It was one of those busy weeknights when I had a ton of things to do, and the last thing I wanted was to spend hours cooking. So, I decided to experiment with a few ingredients I already had on hand.
Picture this: I’m standing in my small kitchen, looking at a pack of hot dogs and some ground beef that was about to expire. I thought, “Why not throw them together?” That’s how my love affair with this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe began. The beauty of it is that it’s not just for hot dogs; you can slather it over fries, burgers, or even nachos. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for busy nights, gatherings, or just when you need something comforting.
Now, if you’re someone who’s trying to eat healthier but still wants to enjoy the occasional indulgence, this recipe can fit into your meal plan. It’s got lean beef, and you can even bulk it up with some veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, it’s all done in the crockpot, which means less cleanup and more time for you to kick back and relax.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-Saver: Minimal prep time and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have.
- Flavorful: A great mix of savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness.
- Versatile: Perfect for hot dogs, but also great on fries, burgers, or nachos.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level or add in veggies to suit your taste.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just a skillet and a crockpot—simple!
Look, the skill level required is pretty much zero. If you can operate a skillet and a slow cooker, you’re golden. This is a great recipe for beginners or anyone who wants a no-fuss dinner option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred) – This keeps the chili nice and lean while still being flavorful.
- 1/2 cup water – Helps to keep the meat from drying out during cooking.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce – The base for your chili, adding depth and richness.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – Adds sweetness and tanginess that balances the flavors.
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard – Gives a nice kick and that classic chili flavor.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
- 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste) – The star spice that brings everything together.
- 1 tsp salt – For seasoning, of course!
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a little heat and depth.
- 1 tsp sugar – Just a pinch to balance the acidity.
- 1 tsp onion powder or 1 tbsp minced onion – For an extra layer of flavor.
So, here’s the thing: while the ground beef is the star, you can swap it with ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you want to make it healthier. The other ingredients are pretty budget-friendly, and you can often find them in your pantry.
Let’s Get Started
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by placing the ground beef and water in a skillet over medium heat. Cook while breaking up the meat into fine crumbles. You want it to be nice and browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The smell of browning beef is one of those comforting aromas that makes you feel like dinner is on the way.
Step 2: Drain and Transfer
After cooking, drain any excess grease (you don’t want your chili swimming in fat) and transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Make sure to scrape out all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; they add flavor!
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where it starts to get exciting, as the colors and smells come together. It’s a bit of a mess, but a delicious mess!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours. Seriously, this is the easiest part. You can walk away and do, well, anything else! I usually catch up on a show or maybe tackle some laundry while it simmers away.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, stir the chili and then spoon it over hot dogs, fries, burgers, or nachos. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Look at that glossy chili, ready to take your meal to the next level!
Finishing Touches
There’s not much to do at this stage besides serving it up, but if you want to elevate it even further, you can top with some shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños for an extra kick. What I love about this dish is that it can be as simple or as gourmet as you want it to be!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
- Let It Cook: If you have the time, let it cook for a bit longer on low; the flavors deepen even more.
- Adjust the Spice: Don’t be shy—add more chili powder or even some cayenne if you like it spicy.
- Try Different Meats: Ground turkey or chicken works well too, just make sure it’s lean.
- Bulk It Up: Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers or beans for added nutrition.
- Shortcuts Are Okay: If you’re really in a rush, you can use canned chili as a base and just add the ground beef!
Storage Tips
Look, we’ve all been there: cooking for one or two and ending up with enough food for a small army. This chili actually stores quite well! You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portions. Just make sure to leave a little space in the container because it will expand.
If you live alone or with roommates, it’s perfect to pull out for a quick meal later in the week. And honestly, it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based alternatives like tempeh or lentils could work well.
What can I serve this with?
Hot dogs, fries, burgers, nachos—you name it! It’s pretty versatile.
Is it okay to cook on high instead of low?
Yes, but keep an eye on it! Cooking on high will speed up the process but might not infuse the flavors as deeply.
Can I make this ahead of time?
For sure! You can prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and let it cook the next day.
How do I make it healthier?
Use lean meats, add in veggies, or serve it over a salad instead of fries for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for those busy nights. I’m definitely planning to make it again. It’s comforting, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it’s a recipe that works. You can whip it up with minimal fuss and still impress anyone at your table.
Here’s to more kitchen experiments and delicious meals ahead. Happy cooking, my friends!
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Delight
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder or 1 tbsp minced onion
Instructions
- Begin by placing the ground beef and water in a skillet over medium heat. Cook while breaking up the meat into fine crumbles.
- After cooking, drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours.
- Before serving, stir the chili and then spoon it over hot dogs, fries, burgers, or nachos.
