Description: This crockpot hot dog chili recipe is a game-changer for your summer barbecues and casual weeknight dinners. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled hot dog, generously smothered in a rich, flavorful chili that’s been simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. This isn’t just any chili; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, a hint of sweetness, and a medley of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget standing over a hot stove; this recipe lets your crockpot do all the work, infusing every bite with deep, satisfying flavor. Prepare to be amazed at how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of slow cooking, can create a chili that’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean, 90/10 or leaner recommended)
- 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 1 tablespoon minced onion
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet, combine the ground beef and water over medium heat. The water helps to break up the beef into smaller, more manageable pieces, ensuring a smoother chili.
Step 2: Crumble and Cook
Use a spatula to break the ground beef into fine crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor base for your chili.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat
Carefully drain off any excess water or grease from the skillet. Removing the excess fat prevents the chili from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more delicious final product.
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot
Transfer the cooked and drained ground beef to your slow cooker. Make sure the crockpot is clean and ready to go.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and onion powder (or minced onion) to the slow cooker with the ground beef.
Step 6: Stir Well
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined. This ensures that the flavors will meld evenly during the slow cooking process.
Step 7: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 2 to 2-1/2 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and intensify, creating a chili that’s bursting with taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the hot dog chili generously on top of your favorite hot dogs, french fries, or burgers. Get creative with your toppings – shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream are all fantastic choices!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This crockpot hot dog chili recipe is a game-changer because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a chili that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or any time you’re craving a delicious and comforting meal. The recipe is also highly customizable – you can adjust the spices to your liking, add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or jalapenos, or even use different types of ground meat. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Hot Dogs: The obvious choice! Load up your favorite hot dogs with a generous helping of this chili and your favorite toppings.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Transform ordinary french fries into a decadent treat by smothering them in chili and melted cheese.
- Chili Burgers: Elevate your burger game by topping your patties with a scoop of this flavorful chili.
- Nacho Topping: Spice up your nachos with a hearty dose of this chili – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Baked Potatoes: A baked potato topped with this chili, cheese, and sour cream is a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Chili Mac: Combine this chili with macaroni and cheese for a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
- Walking Tacos: Combine it with Fritos or Doritos for a fun on-the-go meal
Tips:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) to minimize grease and keep the chili healthier.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
- Add Vegetables: For a heartier chili, add diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook is Key: The slow cooking process is essential for developing the deep, complex flavors of the chili.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 2-1/2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This crockpot hot dog chili recipe is a surefire winner for any occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re topping hot dogs, french fries, or burgers, this chili will elevate your meal to the next level. So, fire up your crockpot and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this classic comfort food!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is the most traditional choice, you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to brown and drain the meat before adding it to the crockpot.
Q2: Can I add beans to this chili?
A: Certainly! If you prefer a heartier chili with beans, you can add a can of kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them.
Q3: How can I make this chili spicier?
A: If you like your chili with a kick, there are several ways to add heat. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeno pepper to the slow cooker. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Q4: Can I make this chili in advance?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this chili in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more. Simply prepare the chili according
