Homemade Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made in the slow cooker—hands-off and easy
• Thick, saucy, and perfect for topping hot dogs
• Way better than store-bought canned chili
• Full of flavor without being too spicy
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Can be made ahead and kept warm for hours
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
• Customizable spice level
• Ideal for cookouts, BBQs, and game day
• Doubles easily for parties or events

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Onion, finely chopped
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for heat

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to your Crock Pot.
3. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
6. Serve hot over grilled or steamed hot dogs with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

Makes enough to top 12–16 hot dogs.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–6 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total time: 4–6 hours

Variations

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
• Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
• Southern-style: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
• Chunky version: Use a mix of ground beef and sausage or finely chopped bell peppers.
• Vegetarian: Substitute plant-based ground meat for the beef.
• Cheesy chili dogs: Stir shredded cheddar into the chili before serving.
• Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning and a dash of cumin for a flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this hot dog chili without browning the beef first?

It’s not recommended. Browning the beef enhances the flavor and texture and helps render out excess fat.

Is this chili spicy?

No, it’s mild by default, but you can easily spice it up with cayenne, hot sauce, or jalapeños.

What’s the difference between hot dog chili and regular chili?

Hot dog chili is smoother, less chunky, and typically doesn’t include beans. It’s more of a sauce than a stew.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just make sure to season it well.

How do I make it thicker?

Cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes or reduce some of the tomato sauce. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I keep this warm during a party?

Yes, leave it on the Crock Pot’s “Keep Warm” setting and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Can I use this chili for more than hot dogs?

Absolutely! Try it on burgers, nachos, baked potatoes, or even in a chili cheese dip.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Make it 1–2 days ahead and store in the fridge until ready to reheat.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Make sure all condiments and seasonings used are certified gluten-free, especially Worcestershire sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker has enough room. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Homemade Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili is the ultimate topping that takes your hot dogs from basic to bold. With deep, savory flavor and a smooth, meaty texture, it’s everything a chili dog needs—and it’s easy to make ahead for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a BBQ, or a family dinner, this chili is sure to be a hit every time.

Homemade Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili

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Homemade Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili is a thick, savory, and perfectly spiced topping for chili dogs. Slow-cooked to develop rich flavor, this easy recipe is ideal for cookouts, game day, or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours
• Yield: Enough for 12–16 hot dogs
• Category: Sauce, Condiment
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4. 1/2 cup ketchup
5. 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
6. 2 tbsp brown sugar
7. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
8. 1 tsp garlic powder
9. 2 tsp chili powder
10. 1 tsp paprika
11. Salt and black pepper, to taste
12. Optional: cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for heat

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onions until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer beef mixture to a Crock Pot.
3. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve hot over grilled or steamed hot dogs with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Browning the beef first adds flavor and prevents excess grease in the chili.
• For a thicker chili, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
• Keep on “Warm” setting for parties and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg