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Hot Dog Chili Crockpot

Featured in: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes That Soothe

This crockpot chili is made to top fries, hot dogs, or burgers perfectly. Lean beef and easy spices keep it flavorful and smooth.

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Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 18:16:40 GMT
Chili-dressed hot dogs with diced onions and cilantro, served with fries on the side. Pin it
Chili-dressed hot dogs with diced onions and cilantro, served with fries on the side. | cookingkitchn.com

Flavorful Crockpot Chili for Hot Dogs

I've gotta share this no-fuss hot dog chili that's become my party favorite. Just dump everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic into the tastiest topping for dogs, burgers or even fries. I've whipped up this quick dish countless times and folks always ask for seconds. What's great? Your crockpot handles everything while you hang out with your loved ones.

What Makes This Quick Recipe Special

This no-fuss homemade topping stands out because:

  • It gets better by the minute as it cooks in your slow cooker
  • You can top hot dogs, nachos or even burgers with it
  • Prep work takes barely any time at all
  • It's ideal when you need to feed lots of people on game day or at gatherings

Simple Ingredients for Hot Dog Chili

  • Ground Beef: Go for lean meat to keep your homemade chili hearty but not oily.
  • Tomato Sauce: Forms the smooth, wet base we need.
  • Ketchup & Mustard: These kitchen staples pack tons of taste.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny bit makes a huge difference.
  • Chili Powder: Brings that needed heat to our quick dish.
  • Onion: Grab fresh ones or powder, both work great.

Quick How-To Guide

Getting Your Beef Just Right
Grab your fresh ground beef and toss it in a big pan over medium-high heat. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of water - this trick helps create tiny meat pieces perfect for hot dog toppings. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or potato masher as it cooks until you get that fine, even look. Keep cooking until you don't see any pink, roughly 8-10 minutes.
Loading Your Slow Cooker
Put your nicely browned meat into the crockpot - skip draining it, that juice makes it tastier. Now for the good stuff - pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and all your spices. I usually mix in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cumin. Mix it all up until everything looks well-combined. Take a quick taste and tweak the spices if needed.
The Waiting Game
Put the lid on your crockpot and switch it to LOW. Now let time work its magic - cook for 2-3 hours, giving it a stir now and then. You'll watch the sauce get deeper in color and thicken up, while amazing smells fill up your kitchen. If it looks too thick, add a splash of beef broth until it looks right.
Time to Eat
Your chili should be thick enough to stick to a spoon but still easy to pour. Get your dogs and buns ready and warmed up. Scoop plenty of that tasty homemade chili over each one. For the final touch - sprinkle on finely chopped onions, a handful of cheddar that'll melt from the hot chili, and maybe some fresh jalapeños if you want heat. Every bite should hit all the right notes.
Party Setup
When hosting, keep your chili warm in the crockpot on LOW. Create a topping bar with bowls of cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, and maybe some crunchy bacon bits. Let your guests build their dream dogs. And grab extra napkins - they'll need them!

Tricks for Better Results

  • Beef Selection: Using lean meat stops your quick chili from swimming in grease.
  • Right Thickness: Don't be afraid to add more liquid for the perfect spooning texture.
  • Meat Breaking: Try a potato masher to quickly break meat into tiny bits.
A close-up of a chili cheese hot dog topped with diced onions, mustard, and parsley, served alongside a portion of French fries. Pin it
A close-up of a chili cheese hot dog topped with diced onions, mustard, and parsley, served alongside a portion of French fries. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Your tasty chili will stay good in the fridge up to 4 days. When you want some more, just heat it up on the stove or in your microwave, adding a splash of water if it's gotten too thick.

Great for Casual Gatherings

This quick chili is my go-to for get-togethers. Create a hot dog station with all the fixings and watch everyone build their perfect bites. Throw in some easy sides like coleslaw and potato salad and you've got a laid-back spread that makes everyone happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why choose lean beef?

Keeps things less greasy and gives the best texture for toppings.

→ Why add water while cooking?

It makes the meat super fine, which is great for topping hot dogs.

→ Can I cook this on a stove?

Absolutely! Just simmer it for about 20-30 minutes instead.

→ How long does it last?

Seal it up and store in the fridge for 4 days.

→ Can I freeze it for later?

For sure—freeze it up to three months in a good container.

Hot Dog Chili Crockpot

This flavorful slow-cooked chili works great as a topping for fries, burgers, or hot dogs. Fun for gatherings!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
180 Minutes
Total Time
190 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/3 cup of water.
02 1 pound of ground beef, lean (90/10).
03 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
04 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
05 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
06 5 ounces of tomato sauce.
07 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard.
09 1/2 cup of ketchup.
10 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Set a medium skillet over medium heat, then add the beef and water.

Step 02

Cook the beef, breaking it into the smallest bits as it browns.

Step 03

Drain out any extra grease and water really well.

Step 04

Move the crumbled beef into your slow cooker.

Step 05

Add ketchup and tomato sauce on top of the beef.

Step 06

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and mustard until blended smoothly.

Step 07

Toss in chili powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and sugar.

Step 08

Stir it until every ingredient mixes completely.

Step 09

Pop the lid on and set the cooker to LOW.

Step 10

Cook for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, so the flavors blend nicely.

Step 11

Stir it now and then while it cooks if you're able to.

Step 12

Before serving, add a little water if it's too thick.

Step 13

Keep it warm in the slow cooker until you're ready to eat.

Step 14

Put leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate.

Step 15

When reheating, add a bit of water if needed to thin the mixture.

Notes

  1. Awesome for gatherings.
  2. Works great to prep in advance.
  3. Perfect as a topping option.
  4. Keeps well for later.

Tools You'll Need

  • A slow cooker.
  • A medium skillet.
  • Spoons for measuring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 171
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 10 g