Are you tired of the same old hot dog toppings? Elevate your hot dog game with this irresistible crockpot hot dog chili recipe. Simple yet packed with flavor, this chili will take your backyard barbecue to the next level. Plus, it’s perfect for topping hot dogs, french fries, or burgers, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1/3 cup water
- 5 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or minced onion
Directions:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with water until browned, breaking it into fine pieces.
- Drain off any excess water or grease from the skillet.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker with the ground beef and stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2-1/2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once cooked, serve the hot dog chili on top of your favorite hot dogs, french fries, or burgers.
- Enjoy the deliciousness of this crockpot hot dog chili with your favorite summer meals!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 2 to 2-1/2 hours Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this delicious crockpot hot dog chili on top of your favorite hot dogs, french fries, or burgers for a flavor-packed meal. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a tasty twist.
- Garnish with Your Favorites: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your hot dog chili by garnishing it with diced onions, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Get creative and customize it to your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: This hot dog chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick weekday dinners.
- Freeze for Future Use: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch, you can freeze the chili in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for an easy and convenient meal option.
- Double or Triple the Recipe: Hosting a larger gathering or want to have extra chili on hand? Double or triple the recipe to suit your needs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and enjoy the convenience of having leftovers for future meals.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili for a spicy twist. For an extra kick, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version of this chili. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Bean Lover’s Delight: Boost the protein and fiber content of the chili by adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. This variation adds heartiness and makes the chili more filling.
- Sweet and Tangy Twist: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the chili by tweaking the amounts of ketchup, mustard, and sugar. For a sweeter flavor, increase the amount of ketchup and sugar, while for a tangier taste, add more mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
- Chunky Style: For a chunkier chili, chop up some bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This variation adds extra texture and freshness to the chili.
- Tex-Mex Flair: Give the chili a Tex-Mex twist by adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top it off with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy and indulgent chili. Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting meal.
FAQs :
- Can I adjust the spice level of the chili? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, hot sauce, or jalapeños according to your preference.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Can I make this chili ahead of time for a party? Definitely! This chili is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Is there a way to make this chili gluten-free? Yes, you can make this chili gluten-free by using gluten-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this chili? Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Just store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and it will be good in the freezer for up to three months.
- Can I cook this chili on high heat in the slow cooker? While it’s possible to cook the chili on high heat for a shorter time, cooking it on low heat allows the flavors to meld together more effectively for a richer taste.
- What can I serve this chili with other than hot dogs? This chili is versatile and pairs well with various dishes such as french fries, baked potatoes, nachos, or even as a topping for macaroni and cheese.
- Can I make a larger batch of this chili for a big gathering? Absolutely! Simply double or triple the ingredients to accommodate a larger crowd. Just ensure you have a big enough slow cooker or use multiple slow cookers if needed.
This crockpot hot dog chili is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering chili that will impress your family and friends at your next gathering. So, fire up the crockpot and get ready to elevate your hot dog game!
