Thank you so much for being here—I’m truly grateful for your time! If you’re craving cozy comfort and savory flavors without fuss, this Slow-Cooker Hot Dog Chili is exactly what you need. It’s rich, flavorful, and effortlessly perfect for game nights, busy evenings, or chilly days!
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🧾 Recipe Overview
This recipe combines ground beef, beans, onions, spices, and ketchup into a thick, flavorful chili base—perfect for topping hot dogs or serving over baked potatoes.
Why you’ll fall in love:
Hands-off cooking—set it and forget it
Bold, family-friendly flavor—tangy, savory, and comforting
Great for feeding a crowd—perfect for parties and potlucks
Versatile—use it on hot dogs, burgers, nachos, or baked potatoes
🍽️ Flavor Snapshot
This chili is hearty and meaty with a subtle sweetness from ketchup, a mild warmth from chili powder, and just enough tanginess to balance the richness. It’s thick and satisfying—exactly what you want to load into a bun!
🛒 Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups canned beans (kidney, pinto, or black), drained and rinsed
1 cup ketchup
½ cup water or broth
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional extras: mustard, diced jalapeños, sliced cheese, or chopped green onions
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker or crockpot (4–6 quart)
Skillet (for browning beef)
Chopping board & knife
Measuring cups & spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
Turkey or veggie option: Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
Beans-free version: Simply omit beans and cook gently longer
Spicy option: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper
Sweet twist: Stir in a little brown sugar or honey for a richer flavor
Bean swap: Try black beans, chili beans, or even lentils for variety
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Prep slow cooker
Transfer browned beef and onion to the slow cooker. Add beans, ketchup, water (or broth), chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
Step 4: Taste & adjust
After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, pepper, or more chili powder as needed.
Step 5: Serve!
Spoon hot chili over grilled hot dogs, or use it to top baked potatoes, nachos, burgers, or even eggs!
🍽 What to Serve With It
This chili shines served with:
Classic hot dog buns or hoagie rolls
Soft pretzel buns for extra flavor
Fresh toppings: cheese, diced onions, pickled jalapeños
Sides: potato chips, coleslaw, corn bread, or simple green salad
💡 Pro Tips
Brown beef first to deepen flavor and reduce grease
Low-and-slow gives best texture and richer taste
Adjust thickness—use less liquid for a thicker chili, or add broth if too thick
Make ahead tip—chili tastes even better next day, and leftovers freeze beautifully
🧊 Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days
Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
ℹ️ General Info
Chili on hot dogs is a classic comfort-food combo, often called “chili dogs”—a crowd-pleasing favorite across backyard barbecues and ball games. This slow-cooker version makes it easy to enjoy homemade chili with minimal effort.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brown the meat directly in the slow cooker?
You can skip browning, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Browning first adds depth and allows you to drain extra fat.
Can I use chili seasoning instead of individual spices?
Yes—use about 2 tablespoons of your favorite chili seasoning blend instead of separate spices.
Can I make this stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer the chili in a pot over low heat for 30–45 minutes until thick and delicious.
Is it okay to leave beans out?
Sure! You’ll have a classic meat chili that’s still hearty and flavorful.
❤️ Conclusion
This Slow-Cooker Hot Dog Chili is easy, comforting, and totally customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day fun, or meal prep. Set it and forget it, then serve it up hot with your favorite fixings!
🍽 More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
Classic Baked Potato with Chili & Cheese
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Bite-Sized Sausage Breakfast Muffins
✨ I can’t wait to see your chili dogs! Leave a review, share a photo, or tag me so we can celebrate your cozy kitchen creation together.
📊 Nutritional Estimate (per ~½ cup chili, not including bun or toppings)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Carbs | ~12 g |
| Protein | ~12 g |
Thank you for letting me cook up this cozy chili recipe with you! Here’s to meals that feel like
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or over-thickening.
- Serve warm over hot dogs, burgers, or baked potatoes. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers.
