Ready to take your hot dogs from ordinary to unforgettable? This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is your secret weapon. It’s rich, meaty, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy — the ultimate hot dog topping that also doubles as a knockout addition to burgers, fries, or even nachos. The best part? You toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or just a laid-back weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: Minimal effort, maximum flavor. Your crockpot handles the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Seriously Flavor-Packed: With a mix of ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and spices, this chili packs a punch of bold, smoky, sweet, and savory notes.
Super Versatile: It’s not just for hot dogs! Pour it over fries, spoon it on burgers, or scoop it with chips — it works every time.
Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re feeding the family or a whole backyard of friends, this chili always hits the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fancy ingredients here — just simple pantry staples that come together to make something truly special:

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (like 90/10) for a hearty base that isn’t overly greasy.
Water: Helps break down the beef into fine crumbles — essential for that classic chili dog texture.
Tomato Sauce: Brings richness and body to the chili. It’s the base that everything builds off of.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the flavors.
Yellow Mustard: Just the right zing to wake up the meat. Don’t skip it — it’s a small ingredient with big impact.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami that deepens every bite.
Chili Powder: For that warm, mildly spicy backbone — adjust to taste if you like more heat.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that let all the other flavors shine.
Sugar: Just a hint to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and mustard.
Onion Powder or Minced Onion: Adds that savory, aromatic boost without needing to chop fresh onions.

Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few ways to tweak this recipe:

Add Some Heat: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Sweet Twist: Add a spoonful of brown sugar for a deeper, sweeter flavor — especially good if you’re serving kids.
Smoky Vibe: Stir in a bit of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to enhance that backyard grill flavor.
Meaty Mix: Try swapping part of the beef with ground pork or turkey for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing your ground beef and water in a skillet over medium heat. Break the beef up really well — you want fine crumbles, not chunks.

Step 2: Drain and Transfer

Once cooked, drain off any excess grease or liquid. Then, add the beef to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder. Mix everything until it’s fully combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours. Let those flavors develop and meld into one cohesive, irresistible chili.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

When it’s done, give it one final stir and spoon generously over your favorite hot dogs, fries, or burgers. It’s go-time!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Crumbly Texture Is Key: Don’t rush breaking up the beef — the finer, the better. A potato masher or fork works great after it starts cooking.
Use a Liner or Spray: If you want an easier cleanup, line your slow cooker or spray it lightly with cooking spray.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give it a quick taste test. Add more chili powder, salt, or even a bit of vinegar if you want more tang.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? Easily double this recipe. It scales beautifully and freezes well.

How to Serve

This chili is so much more than just a hot dog topping — though it does that job spectacularly!

Classic Style:

Spoon a generous amount over grilled hot dogs and top with shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños.

Loaded Fries:

Pour over crispy french fries, sprinkle with cheddar and scallions, and dive in.

Burgers:

Top your burger with a big spoonful of chili, then add some pickles or slaw for crunch.

Nachos or Tater Tots:

Layer onto nachos or tater tots with melty cheese and sour cream for a game-day treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully. Scoop into freezer-safe containers or zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Lay flat to save space.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I cook the ground beef directly in the crockpot?
It’s best to brown the beef first. Cooking it in the skillet helps you achieve the fine crumble texture and allows you to drain excess grease, which keeps the chili from being oily.

How do I make this chili thicker or thinner?
If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or tomato sauce. If it’s too thin, just cook it uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes to reduce.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for beef. The flavorings work just as well.

Is this chili spicy?
It’s mildly spiced — flavorful but not hot. If you want more heat, chili flakes or hot sauce will do the trick.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a total game-changer. It’s rich, comforting, and wildly versatile — just the thing to upgrade your next backyard BBQ or family dinner. With simple ingredients and zero stress, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat all summer long (and honestly, all year round). Give it a try — your hot dogs will thank you!

Kimberly

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe