Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe for Game Day: Slow-Simmered Delights

Every game day calls for a hearty hot dog chili recipe that simmers with robust flavor right in your crockpot.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this chili delivers a rich, meaty experience that transforms ordinary hot dogs into a mouthwatering feast.

Packed with ground beef, aromatic spices, and a deep tomato base, the recipe promises comfort in every spoonful.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients combine to create such a satisfying meal.

The tender meat and complex seasonings meld together during hours of gentle cooking.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for you and your guests.

Serve this chili over hot dogs and watch hungry crowds dive in with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need For Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with robust flavor; choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste and texture.
• Onion: Adds deep, sweet aromatic base that enhances meat's natural savoriness; select fresh, firm onions without soft spots.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy base that binds ingredients; pick high-quality, no-salt-added varieties for better control.
• Ketchup: Introduces subtle sweetness and complexity; opt for classic brands with balanced tomato profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami depth and slight tang; choose traditional fermented versions.
• Chili Powder: Brings warm, smoky undertones; select fresh, vibrant blend without staleness.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses mild, consistent garlic essence; ensure fine, clump-free texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes gentle smokiness and rich color; pick authentic Spanish varieties.
• Mustard: Offers tangy, sharp counterpoint to meaty flavors; select classic yellow or spicy brown.

• Cumin: Provides earthy, warm undertone typical in chili recipes; use freshly ground if possible.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness; grind whole peppercorns for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Heightens and balances overall taste profile; use kosher or sea salt for cleaner seasoning.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for additional heat; adjust according to spice tolerance.
• Water: Helps create desired consistency and allows ingredients to meld seamlessly.

Crockpot Tools For Hot Dog Chili

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions evenly.
• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Key tool for slow-cooking the chili and blending flavors.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for dicing onions safely and cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess fat from cooked beef.

Simple Steps To Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Meat Foundation

Sizzle ground beef with diced onions in a skillet until perfectly browned. Let those delicious flavors develop while removing any extra grease.

• Flavor Explosion

Transfer the savory meat mixture into your crockpot. Pour in a symphony of spices and sauces that will transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering chili. Stir everything until beautifully combined.

• Gentle Simmering

Allow the chili to dance and mingle in the slow cooker. Let it bubble softly on low heat for several hours, turning ordinary ingredients into a rich, deeply satisfying sauce that will make taste buds celebrate.

• Chili Celebration

Ladle this incredible homemade chili over hot dogs. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like zesty cheese, crisp onions, or spicy jalapeños. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy.

Tips To Add Flavor To Hot Dog Chili

• Hot Dog Chili Mastery: Expert Tips & Tasty Twists
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a richer, cleaner-tasting chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper carefully – start with just a pinch for mild heat, gradually increasing for spice lovers who want a fiery kick.
• Texture Perfection: Let the chili simmer longer for a thicker consistency, or add a bit more water if it becomes too dense during slow cooking.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to create a delicious meatless version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and refrigerating overnight to enhance the depth of spices and seasonings.

How To Serve Crockpot Hot Dog Chili With Style

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pile hot dogs high with this zesty chili for a mouthwatering meal that'll make taste buds dance.
• Ballpark Bash: Serve chili in small cups with toothpicks for a fun party appetizer that guests will devour quickly.
• Loaded Dog Extravaganza: Create a build-your-own hot dog bar with chili as the star, letting everyone customize their perfect bite with various toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Hearty Meal Transformation: Turn this chili into a complete dinner by serving over rice or alongside cornbread for a satisfying and filling meal that stretches your recipe further.

Storing Crockpot Hot Dog Chili The Easy Way

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Freezer Hero Method: Package chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch prep. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chili slowly in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of water if mixture seems dry. Stir gently to restore original consistency and prevent scorching.

Hearty Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Simmering with nostalgic flavors, this crockpot hot dog chili recipe brings classic American comfort to your table. Hearty beans, rich spices, and tender meat create a soul-warming dish perfect for game days and family gatherings. You’ll love its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat turns caramel-brown and onions become translucent.
2. Beef Processing: Drain excess grease from meat mixture to concentrate flavors and ensure a clean base for the chili.
3. Seasoning Fusion: Transfer beef to crockpot and incorporate tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, mustard, cumin, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper for heat.
4. Liquid Integration: Add water to create a harmonious consistency and blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even coating of spices across the meat.
5. Slow Cooking Technique: Cover crockpot and simmer on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and develop deep, layered flavors.
6. Texture Refinement: Cook until chili reaches a thick, luxurious consistency perfect for topping hot dogs.
7. Serving Enhancement: Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapenos to personalize the dish.

Notes

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent greasy, heavy chili and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Season Strategically: Adjust spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and cayenne pepper, tasting as you go to achieve perfect heat without overwhelming the palate.
• Manage Liquid Carefully: Add water sparingly to control consistency; too much liquid can dilute the rich, bold flavors of the chili.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Embrace the crockpot’s magic by choosing low heat for deeper flavor development, allowing seasonings to meld and intensify over several hours.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg