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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Whip up this no-fuss chili in a slow cooker. Made with lean ground beef and simple spices, it's a great option for topping all your favorites like hot dogs or fries.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:53:22 GMT
Two hot dogs loaded with chili, onions, and cilantro, alongside crispy fries. Pin it
Two hot dogs loaded with chili, onions, and cilantro, alongside crispy fries. | chefmelt.com

No-Fuss Crock-Pot Dog Chili

I've gotta tell you about this crazy good hot dog topping that's now my party favorite. Just dump everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? An incredible chili that works wonders on dogs, burgers, or even a pile of fries. I've been whipping this up for so long now, and folks always come back for seconds. What's cool is your crock-pot handles all the cooking while you hang out with your guests and actually enjoy yourself.

What Makes This Quick Fix Special

You'll fall in love with this tasty chili because:

  • All the tastes meld together beautifully during slow cooking
  • You can pile it on dogs, burgers, or even top some tortilla chips
  • The prep work barely takes any time at all
  • It's a lifesaver when you need to feed lots of hungry people

Basic Stuff You'll Need for Dog Chili

  • Ground Beef: Go with the leaner stuff for a meaty taste without excess fat.
  • Tomato Sauce: This forms your smooth, liquid foundation.
  • Ketchup & Mustard: These everyday condiments pack a flavor punch.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny bit adds unexpected depth.
  • Chili Powder: Brings that signature warmth everyone loves.
  • Onion: Grab the real thing or use powder if that's what's in your pantry.

Quick How-To Guide

Getting Your Beef Just Right
Grab some fresh ground beef and toss it in a big pan over medium-high heat. Throw in about 2 tablespoons of water to help break the meat into tiny bits, which works best for dog chili. Grab a wooden spoon or potato masher and keep breaking it up while it cooks until you've got really fine pieces. Let it cook for around 8-10 minutes until there's no pink left.
Tossing Everything Together
Dump your cooked beef right into the slow cooker, juices and all for extra flavor. Now comes the fun bit where you add your tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and all those tasty spices. I usually go for a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cumin. Mix it all up real good. Take a quick taste and add whatever else you think it needs.
Waiting Game
Put the lid on your crock-pot and switch it to LOW. Now you gotta let time do its thing for about 2-3 hours, giving it a stir now and then. You'll see it getting darker and thicker as it cooks, and your kitchen will smell amazing. If it looks too thick, just splash in some beef broth until it looks right to you.
Dishing It Out
Your chili should be thick enough to stick to a spoon but still easy to pour. Get your dogs and buns all warmed up. Scoop that tasty homemade chili right over each dog. Then comes the fun part where you add diced onions, some cheddar that'll get all melty from the hot chili, and maybe some jalapeños if you want a kick. Every mouthful should hit all the right notes.
Party Ready
When you've got people over, just keep the chili warm in your crock-pot on LOW. Set out bowls with cheese, onions, jalapeños, and maybe some crumbled bacon. Let everyone fix their dogs exactly how they want. And don't forget plenty of napkins because things will get messy!

Tricks for Better Results

  • Meat Selection: Using leaner beef means your topping won't swim in grease.
  • Right Consistency: Don't be afraid to add more liquid if it needs it, you want it smooth but not runny.
  • Meat Trick: That potato masher in your drawer makes breaking up ground beef so much easier.
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. | chefmelt.com

Keeping Your Leftovers

This chili will stay good in your fridge for about 4 days. When you want some more, just heat it up on the stove or pop it in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it's thickened up too much.

Crowd-Pleasing Party Food

I always count on this chili when I'm hosting. Just put together a build-your-own dog station with all the fixings and watch everyone get excited about making their own creation. Throw in some easy sides like coleslaw and potato salad and you've got a laid-back meal that makes everyone happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why choose lean beef?

It helps keep the chili less greasy, giving it a better texture for toppings.

→ What's the reason for adding water while cooking the beef?

Adding water makes it easier to break the meat up into smaller, finer pieces.

→ Could I make this on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! Let it simmer on low for about 20–30 minutes instead of slow cooking.

→ How long does this chili last?

You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days as long as it's in a sealed container.

→ Is freezing this chili an option?

Yep, it'll freeze just fine. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

A tasty and easy-to-make chili for topping hot dogs, burgers, or even fries. Ideal for events or casual hangouts.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
180 Minutes
Total Time
190 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

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

Ingredients

01 500 grams of minced lean beef (90% lean, 10% fat).
02 80 milliliters of water.
03 150 milliliters of tomato puree.
04 120 milliliters of ketchup.
05 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
06 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
07 2 teaspoons of ground chili powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
10 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
11 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Place a medium pan on a medium flame and toss in the ground beef along with water.

Step 02

As it cooks, use a spatula or spoon to break the beef into very tiny bits for a smooth texture.

Step 03

Carefully eliminate any extra grease or water from the beef once it's cooked.

Step 04

Move the crumbled beef into the pot of a slow cooker.

Step 05

Add the tomato puree and ketchup to the beef inside the slow cooker.

Step 06

Combine the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce into the mix.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 09

Pop on the lid of the slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting.

Step 10

Cook the mixture for about 2 to 2.5 hours so the flavors blend perfectly.

Step 11

If you can, give the mixture an occasional stir while it's cooking.

Step 12

Before serving, check the texture and add a splash of water if it's too thick.

Step 13

Leave the slow cooker on to keep the food warm for serving.

Step 14

Pack up any leftovers in a sealed container and place in the fridge.

Step 15

Warm up portions when needed, and add a bit of water to loosen if they've thickened.

Notes

  1. Awesome for gatherings.
  2. You can prepare it in advance.
  3. Perfect for using as a topping.
  4. Keeps well for a while.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker.
  • A medium-sized pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Doesn't contain any allergens.

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