Hot Dog Chili

Crockpot hot dog chili is loaded with beef and zesty spices to create a rich, meaty, slightly spicy chili perfect for topping your dogs, brats, or sausages. It's the perfect hot dog chili!

Chili cheese dogs are a classic summer treat, and when the warm weather finally comes, I make this topping regularly. It only takes a few hours, and when I'm done, I have a zesty, beefy hot dog chili that always has everyone coming back for more.

I tweaked it a bit by removing the beans and making it thicker to create the classic hot dog topping. I love to make it a classic meal by pairing my chili dogs with creamy mac and cheese.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's a zesty, meaty, slightly sweet chili topping perfect for your hot dogs.
• It's an easy crockpot recipe that's done in just a couple of hours.
• It's a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• It's a versatile topping for hot dogs, brats, sausages, baked potatoes, pasta, or even rice.
• It's freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic - minced
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder

See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

1: Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain and add to the crock pot.

2: Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined.

3: Cook the chili until hot and the flavors have melded.

4: Serve over hot dogs with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Hint

Cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink and no further. Overcooked ground beef will get rubbery and lose its flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Drain your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot to prevent greasy chili.
• Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
• Save time by prepping the ingredients the night before you make the chili.
• If your chili seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth. If the chili seems to thin, remove the crockpot lid to allow evaporation to thicken it as it cooks.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

• Use vegan ground beef, crumbled tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Use ground beef, pork, turkey, or even chorizo for this chili.
• Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a chunkier chili.
• Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
• For an even easier chili recipe, use storebought chili seasoning mix instead of measuring out individual spices.

What to Serve with Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Serve your chili over your hot dogs and pair them with your favorite sides. It also makes a great topping for rice, baked potatoes, and even pasta.

Storage

Refrigerate this chili for up to 4 days in an air-tight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with as much air as possible removed.

To reheat the chili, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, place it in a saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until heated through.

EQUIPMENT

• Your Favorite Crock Pot

INGREDIENTS