There is nothing easier and more delicious to finish your hot dogs with than this hands-off Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili. It’s everything you want for a perfect chili dog! This no-bean, beef chili is saucy, sweet, and tangy, and it’s so easy to make! In just 10 minutes you can have this cooking in your Crock Pot and your work will be done. Serve it straight from the slow cooker, prep it ahead for parties, or make a big batch just to enjoy at home.
There is nothing as satisfying as a good chili dog on a lazy weekend or at a summer cookout, but it’s especially satisfying when you hardly have to lift a finger to make a delicious homemade batch of hot dog chili. With your Crock Pot, a handful of very, very easy ingredients, and just 10 quick minutes to get it cooking, your work is done.
But the absolutely best part about this easy recipe is how tasty it is! It’s savory, tangy, saucier than your typical chili, and the perfect compliment for the hot dogs of your choice. Whether you’re serving it up at a summer party, birthday, barbeque, or a family dinner, this dump and go recipe is the only hot dog chili recipe you’ll need.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Super Easy Ingredients – All it takes is a few pantry and fridge staples to make this super easy homemade hot dog chili.
- Dump and Go Recipe – This is a slow cooker meal that requires just 10 minutes of your time to make.
- Family Friendly Flavors – With familiar ingredients like ketchup, tomato sauce, and onion, kids and adults alike will enjoy it.
- So Versatile! – Whether you’re piling it on hot dogs, corn bread, or nachos, this chili can make many meals extra special.
Recipe Notes
This hot dog chili recipe is as simple as promised! Just 10 minutes of prep and your Crock Pot for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make hot dog chili in the crockpot to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Ground Beef – I always recommend lean ground beef for the easiest cooking. It doesn’t contain as much fat, so you won’t have to drain a lot of grease before moving on with the recipe.
- Seasonings – Just pantry basics like salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and white sugar are needed to flavor your hot dog chili perfectly.
- Onion
- Tomato Sauce
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire
Recipe Tips
- Drain the beef – After you’ve browned the beef and onions you will see some grease collected in the pan. Drain that off before adding it to the Crock Pot. Adding it in can make your chili oily.
- Adjust cooking temp for your schedule – You can cook this homemade hot dog chili recipe for just 2 hours if you cook it on high. Or, drop the temp to low and cook it for 3-4 hours if you have the time.
- Let it cook longer – If you need it to hang out in the Crock pot for longer, then let it! Cook your hot dog chili recipe on low for up to 8 hours and develop big flavor while you’re off doing other things.
- Keep it on warm – This recipe is great for serving straight out of the Crock Pot. You can simply set it on the keep warm setting so every guest at your parties can have a scoop of warm, delicious chili without any extra effort on your part.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use leftover ground beef– Use leftover ground beef to save prep time as long as it’s neutrally seasoned. Leftover burgers are a great option!
- Prep the ground beef ahead– You can also go ahead and cook the ground beef for this recipe 24-48 hours ahead of time. Then the recipe truly is dump and go!
- Make the hot dog chili ahead– Crock Pot hot dog chili is SO perfect for prepping ahead. Make it a day or two ahead of your neighborhood party and just reheat it when it’s time to serve.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Ground Turkey Hot Dog Chili– Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey. Brown as directed and proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
- Spicy Hot Dog Chili– Make the recipe as directed but add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasonings. If you like it very spicy, add 1-3 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or add 1 diced jalapeno to the ground beef as it browns.
- Hot Dog Chili with Beans– Drain and rinse one can of pinto beans. Add it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and continue with the recipe.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Crock Pot hot dog chili recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Portion ground beef, seasonings, and all other ingredients into a freezer safe bag or container.
- Freeze.
- When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
- Dump in the Crock Pot and cook according to recipe directions.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili
Since this dish has classic sweet and tangy flavors, it will pair well with many of your favorite traditional side dishes. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Since this dish has classic sweet and tangy flavors, it will pair well with many of your favorite traditional side dishes. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
- Roasted Mixed Vegetables – Either my garlic roasted vegetables or classic oven roasted veggies are a great choice with a good chili dog.
- Easy Macaroni and Cheese – Fill the table and hungry bellies with comfort food by serving this classic, cheesy side with your chili.
- Parmesan Roasted Vegetables – Adding salty, aged cheese to things like roasted cauliflower or garlic roasted broccoli makes them shine.
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – Use those handy kitchen appliances to make dinner 100% hands free and super easy!
- Baked Potato Wedges – Skip frozen french fries and whip up these homemade, delicious wedges instead.
- Summer Fruit Salad – This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect side for a summer meal.
- Rotini Pasta Salad – Make this ahead and simply pull it out and serve when your chili is ready to eat.
- Cold Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Veggies are extra delicious in this cool, creamy salad that can be made ahead.
- Smashed Potatoes – My kids love both my ranch smashed potatoes and my garlic smashed potato recipe.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad – This super easy salad is light, healthy, and so, so good.
- Chips- Serve them up with potato chips, tortilla chips, or your favorite variety
You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner.
Chili Cheese Dogs Topping Ideas
In addition to this chili, top your hot dog with your choice of these toppings. If you are serving a group, set it up as a chili dog bar with buns, chili, dogs, and let everyone choose their own toppings.
- Cheddar cheese
- Diced onion
- Jalapenos
- Corn salsa
- Scallions
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded lettuce
- French fried onions
- Pico de gallo
Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making homemade hot dog chili, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes– Use oven baked, microwaved, or Instant Pot baked potatoes and load them up with chili, cheese, and your other favorite toppings, then serve.
- Chili Cornbread Casserole– Make a batch of buttermilk cornbread batter or your favorite boxed variety and preheat your oven according to the cornbread’s instructions. Layer the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish with the leftover chili. Drop the cornbread batter over the top. Bake according to package instructions. When done, top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese if desired, then serve.
- Chili Mac and Cheese– Fold leftover chili into prepared or homemade mac and cheese. Top with extra cheese, green onions, and bread crumbs and toast under a high broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly, hot, and golden brown. Serve immediately.
More EASY Crock Pot Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy dinner recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Crock Pot Pork Carnitas
- Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast
- French Onion Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, (I use 93% lean, but any ground beef will work)
- 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
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion, over medium heat, breaking apart as you cook. Once done, drain any excess grease.
- Add the beef to the slow cooker. then add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.
- Once done, stir to incorporate all of the flavors and serve over hot dogs.
Recipe Notes
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
- Portion ground beef, seasonings, and all other ingredients into a freezer safe bag or container.
- Freeze.
- When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
- Dump in the Crock Pot and cook according to recipe directions.
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