There's nothing better than a messy cheesy chili dog on game day or for a summer BBQ. This easy recipe for Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili Sauce is the best topping not just for hot dogs but also fries, nachos, & baked potatoes - you'll put this on literally everything; it's that good!
Why this Homemade Chili for Hot Dogs Recipe is the Best: Most other recipes are way too sweet for my liking - not this one. I have perfected the balance of some spicy heat from the cayenne with a touch of sweetness that's already in the ketchup - no more added sugar here!
ONE IMPORTANT TIP that sets this recipe above all others - I do NOT brown the meat first in a skillet. Browning it not only dries the meat out but also gives you big clumps & not that nice smooth appearance we all love.
My technique of boiling gives you a fine crumble and tiny ground beef pieces that are soft & velvety. This is the trick I learned from many Mexican restaurants in my area and why this hot dog chili recipe tastes & looks award-winning.
This was inspired by my recipe for Slow Cooker No Bean Chili, both are hearty & perfect for game day. Ok, now we cook!
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Ingredients
I am using ground beef for authentic flavor. However, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless vegan crumbles.
Besides the ground meat, spices, tomato sauce, & a few simple condiments is all you need. The traditional chili without beans is also dairy-free, gluten-free (check your Worcestershire sauce label), high in protein, and low-carb.
Here are important notes for some ingredients:
- Ground Beef - 80/20 is what I prefer.
- Tomato Sauce - the base of the chili sauce & the savory flavor.
- Ketchup - the sweet tomato condiment is classic in hot dog sauce.
- Mustard Powder - I prefer this over bottled prepared mustard but a squirt of that will work also.
- Worcestershire Sauce - the savory condiment is salty & tangy has notes of molasses, vinegar, & spice - it does have anchovies for those with a fish allergy.
- Spices - Chili Powder, Cayenne, Salt, Black Pepper, & Garlic Powder.
- Onion Flakes - dry minced is what I prefer for stronger flavor without all the chopping - save the fresh raw onions for topping later.
See the recipe card for full list, quantities, & any substitutions/variations.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili
Before you grumble, yes there is a step for cooking the ground meat before adding it to the CrockPot. Unlike my recipe for Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak this is not done in a skillet on the stove.
As I mentioned above, a quick 5 minute boil & simmer is what sets this recipe above the rest. It's also my secret for the Best 3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes.
Here are the easy steps for making hot dog chili in a CrockPot:
- Boil the Ground Beef
- Add Everything to the Crock-Pot
- Slow Cook & Serve
See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.
1 - Boil the Ground Beef
In a medium pot add the ground beef to enough water so it covers it. Once in the water, crush up the beef into fine crumbled pieces.
Turn the heat on medium high and bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, simmer on low and stir.
While stirring continue to crush and break up any larger pieces. After 3 minutes all the meat should be brown and cooked.
2 - Add Everything to the Crock-Pot
Drain and add the cooked ground meat to the slow cooker insert.
Next add all the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
Tip: this is my favorite recipe to use the last bit of ketchup in the bottle. I add the water, shake, & pour.
3 - Slow Cook & Serve
Set the slow cooker to low and the time for 2 hours. This can also be done on high for an hour but I find when cooked too hot it tends to burn the sauce due to the sugar content - low & slow is best.
Stir occasionally. Taste & season with additional salt & pepper as needed (or more cayenne is you want more heat in your chili sauce).
Serve: spoon over cooked hot dogs in a bun. I like a large sausage hoagie rolls so there is plenty of room for a ton of chili & all the toppings (onion, cheese, etc)
Serving & Storing
Keep the Crock-Pot on warm when serving. This will hold it for hours making it perfect to enjoy while watching all the football on game days, Super Bowl or birthday parties, or for potlucks.
This is great for meal planning and making ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 60 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until hot.
What to Serve with Chili Dogs : I love setting out a topping bar and other items that aren't just hot dogs, sausages, & buns. Serve with diced raw onions, chives, shredded cheese, mustard, mayo, slaw, bacon bits, diced pickles or jalapeño peppers.
Or try the chili over one of the following recipes:
Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
Here's my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, fun stories, recipe history, and more.
- #1 Tip - DO NOT skip boiling the meat first & do not brown it in a skillet instead.
- Use large buns or hoagie rolls so there is enough room to add lots of chili & toppings.
- A small round 4-quart Crock-Pot will work.
- For a leaner "healthier" ground meat version, use ground chicken or turkey instead.
- Try a substitute for Worcestershire sauce if you have a fish allergy or do not have any.
- Don't be shy with the chili & get messy. I love a good 1:2 dog to chili ratio personally!
- This is similar to a classic Coney Island Dog with mustard, onions, & chili. I haven't visited of lived in New York in years so this is how I get my fix with a Nathan's frankfurter.
- What will you put on yours???
FAQ
Regular chili often has beans, chunks of meat, and a soup-like consistency or thick stew-like gravy. Hot dog chili has a thicker tomato based sauce with a finer texture of meat.
So many commercially prepared chilis are packed with fillers and other unmentionables. Check the labels, many contain soy products, stabilizers & artificial ingredients to help with shelf life. Since this is so quick & easy - go for a quality chili sauce made from scratch.
For a recipe that is ready in 30 minutes, try it in one-pot on the stove. Simmer the meat as mentioned but after it is cooked and drained, add it back to the same pot. Add all ingredients, stir and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. It may need a bit more water if it thickens too much.
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 6 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon for spicy version)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a medium pot add the ground beef & add enough water to cover the meat. Using a wooden spoon or masher, break up the meat into small pieces.1 pound ground beef
- Bring the meat to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low to simmer the meat. Stir to cook and ensure the meat stays in tiny crumbled pieces.
- Cook for 3 minutes or until all the meat is brown.
- Drain the meat and add to the slow cooker insert. Add the remaining ingredients.6 ounces tomato sauce, ½ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon minced onion, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ cup water
- Turn the crockpot on low and cook for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Taste test halfway through and season as needed with additional salt, pepper, cayenne if desired.
- When done, spoon over hot dogs in buns, top with cheese, onions, etc. Try it over other favorites - fries, bake potatoes, burgers, or nachos.
- Keep on warm while serving and enjoying it as a chili bar, potluck, etc.
Notes
- Beef - use ground turkey or chicken instead (still boil!)
- Onion - use ¼ cups fresh finely minced onion vs dry minced.
- Sweet - omit the cayenne and add 1 teaspoon of sugar for an old-fashioned take.
- Worcestershire - if you have a fish allergy, use ½ the amount of tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 60 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (2 servings estimate) at a time.
- Do NOT skip the boiling method - this makes it finely crumbled & great texture.
- Use large hot dog buns or sausage rolls so there is plenty of room for all the chili & fixings on the top.
- Keep the slow cooker on "warm" when serving this over several hours like for Super Bowl game day, birthday parties, potlucks, or events.
Nutrition
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