Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Craving something comforting, easy, and totally satisfying? Let me introduce you to Crockpot Hot Dog Chili. This is the kind of dish that brings all the nostalgia—think backyard BBQs, family gatherings, or even a casual night in. With tender ground beef, rich tomato flavor, and the perfect balance of spices, this chili is not only great on hot dogs but also delicious over fries, baked potatoes, or even a big ol’ plate of nachos. The best part? You just toss everything into the crockpot, and let it do its magic while you kick back and relax. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought chili again!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer away. No fuss, no stress!
• Rich & Flavorful: The chili has that perfect sweet and savory combo, with the right amount of spice to complement your hot dog.
• Versatile: It’s not just for hot dogs—serve it over fries, baked potatoes, or even in a chili bowl for a comforting meal.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for parties, BBQs, or just when you’re feeding the family. It’s filling and budget-friendly!
• Make Ahead: You can prep it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering Crockpot Hot Dog Chili:

For the Chili:

• Ground Beef: The heart of the chili. Use lean ground beef for a lighter version, or go for something fattier for a richer flavor.
• Onion: Chopped finely to add savory depth to the chili.
• Garlic: Minced garlic will bring in that savory aroma and flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: The base of the chili—nice and smooth for a rich, tangy flavor.
• Ketchup: Adds a little sweetness to balance the spices and make the chili extra smooth.
• Mustard: A hint of mustard gives the chili a subtle tang, elevating the flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: For depth and a little umami.
• Chili Powder: This is what gives the chili that warm, spicy kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
• Paprika: Adds a smoky note to the chili.
• Cumin: For a little earthiness that really enhances the other flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tang and spice with a bit of sweetness.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this chili cooking!

1. Brown the Beef:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to your crockpot.

2. Add the Sauce Ingredients:

Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Season the Chili:

Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir until the mixture is evenly combined.

4. Cook in the Crockpot:

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly and the flavors meld together.

5. Serve:

Once the chili is thick and bubbly, it’s ready to be served! Spoon it generously over hot dogs (or fries, baked potatoes, etc.), and top with your favorite condiments like cheese, onions, or pickles.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 (1/2 cup per serving)
• Calories per serving: 200
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 14g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 4-6 hours

How to Serve Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Classic Hot Dogs: Serve this chili over your favorite hot dog, topped with cheese, onions, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Chili Fries: Pour this chili over crispy fries and sprinkle with cheese for a chili cheese fries experience.
• Chili Nachos: Layer this chili over tortilla chips, top with cheese, and bake for a perfect game-day snack.
• Baked Potatoes: This chili also makes a hearty topping for baked potatoes. Add sour cream, cheese, and chives for a full meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like things hot, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili for an extra kick.
• Make it Vegetarian: Try substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Leftovers: This chili stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and also freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when ready to serve.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, feel free to double the ingredients. Just ensure your crockpot can handle the extra volume!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different meat in this chili?
A1: Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu.

Q2: Can I make this chili without a crockpot?
A2: Absolutely! You can make this chili on the stovetop by following the same steps and simmering it in a pot for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Let the chili cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I add beans to this chili?
A4: Yes! If you like beans in your chili, feel free to add some kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding.

Q5: How spicy is this chili?
A5: This chili has a mild spice level. If you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.

Q6: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A6: Yes, if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can substitute the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, though the flavor might vary slightly.

Q7: How do I thicken the chili?
A7: If you find the chili is too thin for your liking, simply cook it a little longer with the lid off to allow it to thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water to help it along.

Q8: Can I make this chili spicier?
A8: Of course! You can add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or some chopped jalapeños for more heat.

Q9: Can I make this chili in advance?
A9: Yes! In fact, the chili gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q10: How do I serve this for a crowd?
A10: If you’re serving a larger group, double or triple the recipe, and set up a chili bar with hot dogs, buns, toppings like cheese, onions, and relish, and maybe even some chips for dipping.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, flavorful chili without the hassle. It’s simple to make, totally customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re topping your hot dogs or just enjoying it as a standalone dish. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a hearty, comforting meal!

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