The Coziest Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe for Game Day Bliss

Crafting a mouthwatering crockpot hot dog chili recipe promises comfort and nostalgia in every savory bite.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds.

Weekend gatherings or casual game nights become instantly memorable with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Chunky beef, aromatic spices, and a secret blend of seasonings meld together perfectly.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without hours of kitchen effort.

Beans and tomatoes create a robust sauce that clings deliciously to each hot dog.

This recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings around the table.

Why Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Is A Game Day Must

• Craft Meaty Flavor Fusion: Blend ground beef and ground pork creates a rich, complex taste profile that elevates traditional chili with a unique meat combination.
• Slow-Cook Convenience Champion: Crockpot method allows hands-off cooking, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Classic: Hearty chili with sweet and savory notes makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves satisfying comfort food.
• Simple Seasoning Magic: Basic pantry spices and ingredients transform ordinary meats into a mouthwatering dish that requires minimal culinary expertise to achieve maximum flavor.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: A rich, hearty protein that forms the base of the chili and provides deep flavor.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and complexity to the meat blend for a more robust taste.

• Dry Spices: Create a complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the chili.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami undertone to the chili.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, rich base for the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and bright tomato flavor to the dish.
• Ketchup: Contributes additional sweetness and tomato complexity.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency and allows flavors to meld together.

How To Make Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Hands-Free

Step 1: Blend Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure even distribution of both meats, creating a uniform base for your chili.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle dry spices over the meat mixture. Carefully fold and mix the seasonings, making sure every bit of meat gets coated with delicious flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Crockpot Base

Transfer the seasoned meat blend into the crockpot. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a solid foundation for your chili.

Step 4: Add Liquid Components

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Water

Gently stir to integrate all liquids without breaking up the meat’s texture.

Step 5: Enhance with Sweetness

Sprinkle brown sugar across the surface of the chili. Let it slowly dissolve and add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Allow the chili to simmer for 6-7 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustments

During the last hour of cooking, taste the chili. Adjust seasonings if needed. Use a wooden spoon to break down larger meat chunks, creating a smoother consistency.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once cooking is complete, let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Tips For The Best Flavor In Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Mix Meats Thoroughly: Blend ground beef and ground pork completely to create a uniform, rich flavor profile with consistent texture throughout the chili.
• Season Strategically: Sprinkle dry spices evenly and fold gently to ensure each bite delivers balanced, well-distributed seasoning without clumping.
• Control Liquid Integration: Pour sauces carefully and stir minimally to maintain meat's integrity while creating a smooth, cohesive chili base.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle brown sugar across the surface to allow slow dissolution, adding subtle sweetness and complexity to the overall taste.
• Rest and Settle: Allow chili to sit 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors marry and sauce naturally thicken, resulting in a more developed and rich final dish.

Spicy And Sweet Twists On Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the chili.
• Vegetarian Chili Option: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles, black beans, and lentils to create a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Worcestershire sauce with chipotle sauce for a fiery southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace traditional Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Best Pairings With Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Pair with Cornbread Companions: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread perfectly balances the chili's robust and hearty flavors, offering a delightful textural contrast and soaking up the rich sauce.
• Craft Beer Complementors: Robust amber ales or hoppy IPAs cut through the chili's richness, their malty undertones and crisp finish enhancing the meat's deep, spicy profile.
• Cooling Yogurt Toppers: Creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream provides a tangy, cool counterpoint to the chili's warm spices, softening the heat while adding a luxurious smoothness.
• Fresh Herb Brighteners: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top to introduce a fresh, zesty layer that lifts the dense meat flavors and adds a vibrant color accent.

How To Store Crockpot Hot Dog Chili With Ease

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chili maintains quality for up to 4 months when frozen.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water to prevent sticking, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring consistent temperature throughout.

FAQs For Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork in this chili recipe?

The combination provides a richer, more complex flavor profile and adds extra depth to the meat texture compared to using just one type of meat.

• How can I prevent the meat from becoming tough during slow cooking?

By using a blend of ground meats and cooking on low heat, you ensure the meat remains tender and absorbs all the delicious seasonings without becoming dry or stringy.

• What's the purpose of adding brown sugar to the chili?

Brown sugar helps balance the savory and acidic flavors, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste and helps create a more rounded flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to stir the chili during cooking?

Occasional stirring prevents sticking and ensures even heat distribution, helping to develop consistent flavors throughout the entire dish.

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot hot dog chili brings classic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Rich meaty flavors meld together slowly, promising a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of meats for consistent flavor and texture.
2. Sprinkle all dry spices over the meat mixture, carefully folding and mixing to guarantee uniform seasoning coverage.
3. Transfer the seasoned meat blend into the crockpot, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
4. Pour tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and water directly over the meat, gently stirring to integrate all liquid components without disrupting the meat’s texture.
5. Incorporate brown sugar by sprinkling it across the surface, allowing it to slowly dissolve and enhance the chili’s depth of flavor.
6. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the chili to simmer and develop rich flavors for 6-7 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. During the last hour of cooking, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, breaking down any larger meat chunks with a wooden spoon to create a smoother consistency.
8. Once cooking is complete, let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

• Meat Mixing Technique: Blending ground beef and pork creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates traditional hot dog chili.
• Spice Distribution Trick: Gently fold spices into meat to prevent clumping and ensure every bite delivers consistent seasoning.
• Low and Slow Cooking Magic: Extended crockpot time allows flavors to develop deeply, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering chili.
• Texture Perfection: Breaking down meat chunks during the final cooking hour helps achieve a smoother, more cohesive chili consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg