Name: Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486456H4M52S
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean cut recommended); ⅓ cup water; 5 oz tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp sugar; ½ tsp onion powder (or minced onion)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is the perfect savory topping for your beef hot dogs, fries, or burgers! Made with tender ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a blend of flavorful spices, this chili is slow-cooked to perfection and full of rich, hearty taste. Let the crockpot do all the work, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in just a few hours, perfect for your next BBQ or casual meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hot dog chili is the ultimate in convenience and flavor. With minimal prep, you get a savory chili that’s ideal for piling on top of beef hot dogs, fries, or burgers. The combination of ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and chili powder brings out the best in this delicious topping. Plus, it’s made in the crockpot, so you can set it and forget it—allowing the flavors to meld together while you focus on other things. Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean cut recommended)
1/3 cup water
5 ounces tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon soy 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, combine the ground beef and water. Cook the beef, breaking it up into fine pieces as it browns.
Drain off any excess water or grease.
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir until well combined.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2-1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Once ready, serve the chili generously over beef hot dogs, fries, or burgers.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 servings and takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes in total—10 minutes of prep and 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chili for a spicy boost.
Smoky Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Beans: Add 1 can of kidney beans or black beans for a more hearty chili.
Sweetness: For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a thicker chili, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the chili a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then reheat it when ready to serve.

How can I thicken the chili?

If the chili is too thin, simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I use hot dogs or sausages in the chili?

You can add sliced hot dogs or sausages into the chili for added flavor. Just stir them in about 30 minutes before the chili is done cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Can I cook this on high in the crockpot?

Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for 1 to 1.5 hours if you’re short on time, but cooking it on LOW helps the flavors meld better.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili, made with beef hot dogs, is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and hearty flavors. It’s a simple, flavorful topping for your hot dogs, fries, or burgers and is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next BBQ or casual meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this chili will quickly become a go-to comfort food for all your summer meals!