The Ultimate Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe for Game Day Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering crockpot hot dog chili recipe promises pure comfort food magic!

Slow cookers work wonders with hearty ingredients and bold flavors.

Classic chili meets convenient cooking techniques in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks adore simple meals that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Protein-packed and deliciously seasoned, this recipe turns ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

Weekend gatherings or casual game nights suddenly feel extra special with this warm, robust chili.

Uncomplicate your meal prep and savor every delectable spoonful.

You’ll want to bookmark this incredible recipe for future delicious adventures.

Why Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Is So Handy

• Craft Simple Comfort: A hearty chili recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious meal without stress.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust spices and ingredients to match personal taste preferences, making this chili adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
• Slow Cook Magic: Crockpot method allows deep flavor development with minimal hands-on cooking, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve as a hot dog topping, standalone meal, or party dish that feeds a crowd and impresses with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides rich, hearty protein for the chili.
• Ground Pork: Adds depth and extra complexity to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Creates a foundational flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Deliver a classic, bold chili spice blend that gives warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the other flavors.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base and help create the classic chili texture.
• Water: Helps to achieve the desired consistency and prevent burning.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami undertone to the chili.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and adds depth.

How To Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Easily

Step 1: Brown Meaty Base

Sizzle ground beef and ground pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break down the meat into tiny crumbles, cooking until every piece loses its pink color completely.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Shift the perfectly browned meat into the crockpot, making sure to drain off any extra grease for a cleaner taste.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables

Chop onions into tiny pieces and mince garlic, then toss directly into the crockpot with the cooked meat.

Step 4: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Pour Liquid Magic

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Water
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Let the chili simmer and develop deep, robust flavors for 4-6 hours.

Step 7: Prevent Sticking

Gently stir the chili every few hours to prevent bottom burning and ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 8: Final Flavor Check

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. This chili works great as a hot dog topping or standalone dish.

Step 9: Rest and Thicken

Allow the chili to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps flavors meld and sauce naturally thicken.

Tips For Great Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Flavor

• Spice Layering Technique: Sprinkle spices evenly and let them bloom in the slow cooker to maximize depth and richness of taste.
• Slow Cooking Magic: Resist the urge to rush – low and slow cooking allows ingredients to meld, creating more complex and robust chili flavors.
• Texture Perfection: Break meat into fine crumbles while browning to achieve a consistent, smooth texture that coats every bite.
• Final Flavor Boost: Taste and adjust seasonings just before serving, allowing the chili to rest briefly to let flavors harmonize and sauce thicken naturally.

Tasty Variations Of Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentils, black beans, and diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and increase chili powder for a fiery kick that brings bold southwestern flavors to the dish.
• Lean Protein Chili: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Low-Carb Keto Chili: Eliminate brown sugar, use cauliflower instead of traditional tomato base, and increase ground beef ratio for a low-carbohydrate friendly option.

What To Serve With Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Pair with Crisp Lager: Light, refreshing beer cuts through the rich, spicy chili and cleanses the palate with its crisp carbonation.
• Complement with Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread provides a perfect textural contrast and absorbs the chili's robust sauce.
• Enhance with Sharp Cheddar: Grated aged cheddar adds tangy complexity and creamy richness that balances the meat's deep flavors.
• Cool Down with Sour Cream: Dollop of cool, smooth sour cream tempers the chili's heat and adds a luxurious, creamy finish to each bite.

How To Store Crockpot Hot Dog Chili At Home

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 4 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Quick FAQ For Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Can I use only ground beef for this chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with additional ground beef for a single-meat version. The recipe works well with just ground beef.

• How spicy is this chili recipe?

This chili has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer more spice, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños during cooking.

• Is it possible to make this chili on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Follow the same ingredient list and cooking steps, but simmer in a large pot on low heat for 1-2 hours instead of using a crockpot.

• Can I freeze this chili for later?

Yes, this chili freezes excellently. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot hot dog chili brings classic American comfort to your dinner table with robust flavors and easy preparation. Slow-cooking melds rich spices and tender ground beef, creating a perfect topping that hungry families will devour with genuine satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef and ground pork over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into fine crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Transfer the browned meat to the crockpot, ensuring all excess grease is drained.
3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, then add them directly into the crockpot with the meat.
4. Sprinkle all the spices – chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper – evenly over the meat mixture.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the chili to simmer and develop rich flavors for 4-6 hours.
7. Stir the chili occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving as a classic hot dog topping or standalone chili.
9. Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

• Swap ground meats for leaner alternatives like turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Add a splash of beer or coffee during cooking to deepen the chili’s complexity and create more robust taste dimensions.
• Consider roasting fresh jalapeños or bell peppers before adding them to introduce smoky undertones and enhance overall depth.
• Prepare chili in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing spices to fully integrate and develop more intense flavor layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg