Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a simple and flavorful way to elevate your classic hot dogs. With tender ground beef and a blend of spices slow-cooked to perfection, it makes a perfect topping for any casual meal or gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean recommended)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 10 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4: When finished, stir the chili to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. Serve hot over cooked hot dogs for a delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños while cooking.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Add a splash of beer or beef broth for extra depth of flavor before slow cooking.
- Leftover chili also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Storage
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this chili without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the chili on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on Worcestershire sauce and ketchup to confirm they contain no gluten if you have sensitivities.
PrintCrockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a flavorful and easy-to-make chili perfect for topping your hot dogs or serving as a hearty snack. Made with lean ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, it simmers slowly in the crockpot to develop rich, savory flavors without much effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean recommended)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Chili Base
- 10 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks until fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy chili.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to the crockpot. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the chili: Set the crockpot to low and cook the chili for 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking time lets the flavors meld into a rich, hearty chili.
- Final stir and serve: Once cooking is complete, give the chili a good stir to evenly incorporate all the flavors. Serve hot over cooked hot dogs for a classic, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder and spices to taste for mild or more intense heat.
- Drain excess grease after browning to keep the chili from being greasy.
- This chili is great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use 93% lean ground beef for a healthier option, but any ground beef works.
- Serve with shredded cheese, onions, or mustard for extra toppings.
Keywords: Crockpot chili, hot dog chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, comfort food

