Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
This Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a comforting, family-friendly meal that combines the savory flavors of chili with the ease of slow-cooked hot dogs. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty dish that warms and satisfies without much effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- Hot dogs – sliced into bite-sized pieces
Base and Sauce
- Tomato sauce – rich and savory
- Chili powder – to add warmth and mild heat
- Brown sugar – balances acidity with sweetness
- Worcestershire sauce – for umami depth
Aromatics
- Onion – chopped
- Garlic – minced
Optional
- Beans (kidney or black beans) – for added heartiness and fiber
Seasonings
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces or rounds that will hold up well during slow cooking without falling apart.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, quickly sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant to boost their flavor before adding to the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the sliced hot dogs, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato sauce, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the hot dogs to become tender and infused with chili spices.
- Check and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili towards the end and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference. If using beans, stir them in now and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Slice hot dogs evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Sauté onions and garlic first to maximize their flavor.
- Do not skip brown sugar, it balances acidity and enriches flavor.
- Cook on low and slow for the best juiciness and depth.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking up hot dogs.
- Adjust chili powder and add cayenne or jalapeños carefully for desired heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: crockpot chili, hot dog chili, easy chili recipe, slow cooker chili, family dinner, comfort food, hearty meal
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/crockpot-hot-dog-chili/