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No-Fuss Crock Pot Chili for Hot Dogs
Want a crowd-pleasing hot dog topping? I've got you covered with this dump-and-go chili that cooks while you chill. Just throw everything into your slow cooker and it transforms into an amazing flavor bomb for hot dogs, burgers, or even a dip for your fries. I've whipped this up countless times over the years and folks always ask for the recipe. The coolest thing? You can hang with your guests while your crockpot handles the cooking.
What Makes This Chili Worth Trying
You'll fall for this tasty chili because:
- Your slow cooker works its magic, blending flavors beautifully
- You can top anything from nachos to burgers with it
- The prep work takes barely any time at all
- It feeds tons of people at gatherings or sports viewing parties
Simple Stuff You'll Need
- Ground Beef: Go with lean meat for a tasty chili that isn't swimming in grease.
- Tomato Sauce: This forms the smooth base we're after.
- Ketchup & Mustard: These basic condiments pack surprising flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A tiny bit transforms the whole pot.
- Chili Powder: Brings that signature warmth we all want.
- Onion: Grab dried powder or chop up a fresh one—both work great.
Quick How-To Guide
- Getting Your Meat Just Right
- Grab your ground beef and toss it in a hot skillet. Here's a trick—add a couple tablespoons of water while cooking. This helps break the meat into tiny bits that work perfectly for hot dog toppings. Smash it around with a wooden spoon or potato masher until it looks finely crumbled. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until there's no pink left.
- Filling Your Slow Cooker
- Dump that meat straight into your crockpot—keep those juices, they're full of goodness. Now comes the fun—pour in your tomato sauce, squirt in some ketchup and mustard, and sprinkle all those spices. I usually go for chili powder, some garlic powder, onion flavor, and a bit of cumin. Mix everything until it looks uniform. Take a little taste and tweak the seasonings if needed.
- Let Time Do Its Thing
- Put the lid on and switch your crockpot to LOW. Now walk away and let magic happen for about 2-3 hours. Give it a stir now and then. You'll notice it getting darker and thicker as time goes by, and your kitchen will smell amazing. If it looks too thick, splash in some beef broth until it looks right to you.
- Dishing It Out
- Your chili should coat a spoon without running off too quickly. Heat up some hot dogs and buns to get them warm and soft. Scoop generous amounts of chili over each one. Then comes the fun part—scatter some chopped onions on top, add a handful of shredded cheddar that'll melt from the heat, and maybe some jalapeños if you want a kick. Every mouthful should hit all the right notes.
- Party-Ready Setup
- For bigger gatherings, leave the chili in your slow cooker on LOW. Create a little topping station with bowls full of cheese, chopped onions, hot peppers, and maybe some crumbled bacon. Let everyone build exactly what they want. And remember to put out plenty of napkins—things might get messy!
Tricks for Great Results
- Choose Good Meat: Using 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef keeps your chili from swimming in fat.
- Watch Your Thickness: Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too chunky—it should drape nicely over a hot dog.
- Break It Down: Try using a masher tool to get those meat bits super tiny.
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Keeping Leftovers Fresh
This chili stays good in your fridge for about 4 days. When you want some more just heat it up in a pot or microwave and add a splash of water if it looks too thick.
Hassle-Free Party Food
This chili might become your go-to for gatherings. Just set out a bunch of hot dogs, your slow cooker full of chili, and all the toppings. Guests can fix their dogs exactly how they want them. Throw in some easy sides like coleslaw and potato salad and you've got a laid-back spread that makes everyone happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes lean beef a good choice?
It cuts down on grease and gives a smoother texture for topping.
- → Why is water added to the beef?
It helps break the meat into smaller pieces, making it great for toppings.
- → Is stovetop cooking an option?
Yep, you can simmer it for about 20-30 minutes instead of slow-cooking.
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
It'll stay good for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- → Can this chili be frozen?
Absolutely, it'll keep in the freezer for 3 months if stored in an airtight container.