Name: Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred); ½ cup water; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp onion powder or 1 tbsp minced onion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s so hands-off yet delivers big flavor. The slow cooking lets the spices meld beautifully, creating a smooth, meaty chili that clings perfectly to hot dogs. I like how customizable it is too—I can make it mild for family dinners or spice it up for a crowd. It’s rich, hearty, and has that classic diner-style chili texture I can’t get enough of.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
1/2 cup water
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon minced onion

Directions

I start by adding the ground beef and water to a skillet over medium heat. I cook it, breaking the meat into fine crumbles, until fully browned.
Once cooked, I drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to my slow cooker.
I add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and onion powder. Then, I stir everything together until it’s well combined.
I cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, letting all the flavors come together.
Before serving, I give it a good stir. Then, I spoon it over hot dogs, fries, burgers, or even nachos—it’s delicious on just about anything.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and about 2 hours and 30 minutes to cook, for a total time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
When I’m in the mood for a sweeter chili, I stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar.
A touch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke gives a smoky barbecue-like depth.
I like to swap half the beef for ground pork or turkey for a lighter version.
Diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for a chunkier texture and added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. This chili also freezes beautifully—I cool it completely, portion it into freezer bags, and store it for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes! I often add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it more heat.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely. I double all the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker—it scales perfectly and feeds a crowd.

What’s the best way to get fine crumbles in the beef?

I use a potato masher or meat chopper while browning the beef. It helps break it down evenly for that classic hot dog chili texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve made it with ground turkey, and it still tastes great. The flavor is slightly lighter but still rich and satisfying.

How thick should the chili be?

I like it thick enough to sit on top of a hot dog without sliding off. If it seems too thin, I cook it uncovered for an extra 15–20 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

I love how this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili makes an ordinary meal feel special with minimal effort. It’s thick, rich, and bursting with flavor, perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or even a bowl of fries. Whether I’m feeding a family or prepping for a cookout, this easy slow-cooker recipe always delivers that comforting, classic chili flavor everyone loves.