Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe: Easy, Meaty And Delicious

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is the hands-off, time-saving dinner upgrade you didn’t know you needed. With just 20 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, delivering savory, meaty chili that’s the perfect topping for hot dogs, baked potatoes, or even burgers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or tackling a busy weeknight, this tasty solution has your back.

I first came up with this shortcut for hot dog chili when I needed something quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing for a game day session. Traditional chili can take hours to simmer, but this version? It’s ready in just over two hours with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to standing over the stove.

Why This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe Is a Game-Changer

• Time-saver: Prep in 20 minutes, then let the slow cooker handle the rest, freeing up your time.
• Set it and forget it: Crockpot cooking means less babysitting and more time for you to handle other things.
• Perfectly meaty texture: Ground beef stays soft and tender while absorbing all the flavor-packed spices.
• Versatility: This chili works for hot dogs, chili cheese fries, nachos, and even as a casserole topping.
• Batch-friendly: Make enough to freeze or refrigerate for easy meals throughout the week.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

To make this easy hot dog chili recipe, you don’t need much in terms of fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Slow cooker: Any 4-6 quart slow cooker will work. A programmable one is especially handy to avoid overcooking.
• Large skillet: You’ll brown the ground beef first to lock in the flavor.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon makes mixing ingredients in the crockpot effortless.

Quick tip: If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, look for one with a “keep warm” function. It’s a lifesaver when serving at parties or potlucks.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

The beauty of this best chili for hot dogs is that it uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here are the standout components:

• Ground beef: Two pounds of lean ground beef provide a hearty foundation. You can swap for ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat if preferred.
• Ketchup and mustard: These give the chili that classic tangy, sweet kick reminiscent of a backyard cookout.
• Chili powder: The spice blend ties everything together with just enough warmth—skip the hot spices so everyone can enjoy it.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that elevates this from basic to outstanding.

Pro tip: Pre-minced onion or frozen diced onion can save even more prep time!

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe Details

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Complete Ingredients List

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup
• 8 oz. tomato sauce (not paste)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup minced white onion
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp. mustard (regular liquid mustard)
• 2 tsp. brown sugar

Step-by-Step Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe Instructions

1. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
4. Add all remaining ingredients to the crockpot, including ketchup, tomato sauce, water, onion, and seasonings.
5. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Cover and cook on high for 1.5–2 hours, or on low for 3 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
7. If the chili becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water, beef broth, or extra ketchup.
8. Serve over freshly grilled hot dogs and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

• Use lean ground beef (80/20) to avoid excess grease that can water down the chili.
• For added heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it ahead! This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld in the fridge.
• Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Don’t skip the stirring! It prevents sticking and keeps the flavors evenly distributed.

Easy Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe Variations

• Turkey Chili: Swap in ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Cheesy Chili: Fold in shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based ground meat instead of beef.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef?

No, it’s best to thaw the beef beforehand to brown it properly and avoid excess liquid in the crockpot.

Why is my chili burning?

Slow cookers can run hot, so stir every 30-45 minutes and add water or ketchup if it thickens too much.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger slow cooker, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed.

What kind of hot dogs pair best?

Classic beef hot dogs work great, but feel free to try turkey or veggie dogs as well.

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe is a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite way to top a hot dog?