Easy Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe

My Grandson’s Favorite Game Day

Let me tell you about my grandson, Leo. He loves football. But he loves my chili dogs more. Every game day, he asks for them. I still laugh at that. The whole house smells so good.

This recipe is my easy secret. It cooks in the crockpot. That means more time for family. That matters to me. Good food brings everyone together. What’s your favorite game day food to share?

Why This Chili is Special

This is not a big pot of Texas chili. It is hot dog chili. It is meant to be a topping. It is thick and savory. It sticks right to the bun. Doesn’t that smell amazing while it cooks?

The brown sugar is my little trick. It does not make it sweet. It just makes all the other flavors friends. They get along better. That is why this matters. A small touch can make a big difference.

The Simple Way to Make It

First, you brown the beef in a pan. Drain the fat. This keeps it from being too greasy. Then, you just put everything in the crockpot. Give it a good stir. That is it.

Let it cook on high for a few hours. Stir it now and then. You will see it get thick and rich. *Fun fact: The word “chili” here just means a spiced meat sauce. It does not need beans!* Do you like beans in your chili, or do you keep them out?

Toppings and Happy Memories

My husband loved chopped white onions on his. Leo likes shredded cheese. I like a little extra mustard. The best part is making it your own. That is the fun of it.

I remember one rainy Saturday. We had no plans. I made these chili dogs. We played cards all afternoon. It was perfect. Simple food makes the best memories. What toppings would make your perfect chili dog?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is very forgiving. Do not worry about being exact. A little more chili powder is fine. A little less is fine too. Cooking should feel easy, not scary.

Let the crockpot do the work. You get to relax. Then, gather everyone around the table. That is the real goal. Sharing a simple, happy meal. Tell me, what is your favorite easy meal to cook for people you love?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
ground beef	1 lb
beef broth	1 cup
tomato sauce	1 (8 oz) can
ketchup	½ cup
yellow mustard	1 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce	1 tbsp
chili powder	2 tsp
salt	½ tsp
black pepper	1 tsp
garlic	2 tsp	minced
brown sugar	1 tbsp
onion powder	1 tsp

My Easy Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Hello, my dear! It’s Lena. Let’s talk about hot dog chili. This recipe is my favorite for busy days. It fills the whole house with a wonderful smell. Doesn’t that smell amazing? I learned it from my neighbor, Mrs. Gable, years ago. We would make big batches for our kids’ baseball games. I still laugh at that. All the kids would come running when the lid came off. Now, let me show you how simple it is.

Step 1: First, grab your ground beef. Brown it in a skillet over medium heat. This takes about five to seven minutes. You want it nice and crumbly, not in big lumps. Once it’s cooked, drain all the extra grease away. (My hard-learned tip: I use a colander over a bowl. It’s much easier than trying to tip the pan!)

Step 2: Now, put that beef right into your crockpot. Add everything else from the list. That’s the broth, tomato sauce, ketchup, and all the spices. Give it a really good stir. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves into the mix. This sweet touch is my little secret. It makes all the flavors sing together.

Step 3: Put the lid on tight. Cook it on high for about two hours. Stir it once or twice while you wait. This lets you check how it’s coming along. The waiting is the hardest part, I know! The chili is ready when it’s thick and bubbly. What’s your favorite hot dog topping? Share below!

Cook Time: 1½ – 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Enough for 6-8 hot dogs
Category: Lunch, Easy Dinner

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change its outfit! Here are three ways to play with it. Each one gives you a whole new meal. Cooking should be fun, don’t you think?

The “A Little Kick” Twist: Add a diced jalapeño with the beef. Use a little extra chili powder, too. It will warm you right up!

The “No-Meat Monday” Twist: Swap the beef for a plant-based crumble. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You won’t believe how tasty it is.

The “Loaded Potato” Twist: Skip the bun! Serve this chili over a baked potato. Top it with cheddar cheese and green onions. So cozy. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

Of course, this chili is perfect on a hot dog. Use a soft, toasted bun. But let’s think bigger. My grandkids love it over crispy french fries. We call them chili cheese fries. It’s a messy, happy treat. You could also serve it in little bowls with tortilla chips for dipping.

What to drink? For the grown-ups, a cold lager beer is nice. It cuts through the rich chili. For everyone, I love homemade lemonade. Its sweet tartness is the best match. Which would you choose tonight? A classic dog or cheesy fries? I can never decide myself!

Keeping Your Chili Cozy for Later

This chili is perfect for making ahead. Let it cool completely first. Then pop it in the fridge for up to four days.

You can also freeze it for a future busy night. I use old yogurt containers. They are the perfect single-meal size.

I once froze a big batch for my grandson’s soccer team. They reheated it after a rainy game. It was a huge hit with everyone!

Reheating is simple. Warm it slowly in a pot on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.

Batch cooking like this saves time and money. It means a warm meal is always ready for you. That matters on tired days.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Chili Hiccups

Is your chili too thin? Let it cook uncovered for a bit. The extra liquid will steam away and thicken it right up.

Not flavorful enough? Add a pinch more chili powder and salt. Taste it after each little addition. I remember when I was too shy with spices.

My first batch tasted a bit bland. A friend taught me to taste and adjust. It makes all the difference in the world.

Is it too spicy for the kids? Stir in a spoonful of brown sugar. This sweet touch balances the heat perfectly.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the food taste just right for your family. That is the real goal.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Chili Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: It can be. Just check your Worcestershire sauce label for gluten.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Yes! Make it fully, then cool and store it. The flavors get even better.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth? A: Use a bouillon cube with water. Or just use water in a pinch.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a bigger crockpot. Your cooking time will stay about the same.

Q: Any fun topping ideas? A: Try shredded cheese, diced onions, or even a sprinkle of corn chips! *Fun fact: This chili is also great on fries or baked potatoes.*

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home. It holds many happy memories in mine.

I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes me feel like we are cooking together.

Please share your photos if you make it. I would love to see your family’s smiling faces.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Lena Morales.