Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili

There is nothing like a thick, flavor-packed chili sauce slowly simmered to perfection to make a backyard hot dog or homemade chili fries truly memorable. This slow cooker hot dog chili sauce takes almost no prep and transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing, rich, meaty topping that easily levels up a weeknight meal or party spread.

I first whipped this up for a birthday cookout and everyone kept coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. It became our go to topping for game days and potlucks because it is so simple and always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: brings a little richness and helps soften the onions Look for extra virgin for best taste
• Diced onion: adds sweetness and flavor Aim for white or yellow onions with no blemishes or soft spots
• Minced garlic: infuses the base with aromatic depth Freshly minced gives a better punch than pre minced
• Lean ground beef: gives hearty texture and less grease Choose 90 percent or leaner for best results
• Water: keeps the meat mixture moist during cooking Filtered water gives the cleanest taste
• Tomato paste: gives concentrated tomato richness Go for thick deep red paste with no metallic smell
• Ketchup: adds a touch of tang and sweetness Choose one with no high fructose corn syrup for a clean flavor
• Beef broth: bolsters the meaty taste Use low sodium and check for a clear savory flavor when buying
• Mustard: brightens and adds a little zip Use classic yellow mustard for that nostalgic chili dog tang
• Worcestershire sauce: gives umami savoriness Look for a brand with anchovy for a classic taste
• Chili powder: delivers all the warming spice Choose a fresh fragrant blend for big flavor
• Garlic powder: deepens the savoriness Opt for a fine light powder that is not clumpy
• Paprika: adds a subtle smokiness Spanish sweet paprika works great here
• Salt: brings out all the flavors Sea salt blends in smoothly
• Black pepper: offers a balanced bite Use freshly cracked for the brightest pop
• Granulated sugar: cuts acidity and boosts the natural sweetness Only use if your tomatoes taste tart
• Shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapenos: offer custom toppings Buy block cheese and grate it yourself for the best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat a large skillet on medium high and add olive oil and diced onion Cook onion for about three minutes until translucent and fragrant Add minced garlic and stir constantly for thirty seconds letting it bloom in the oil without browning This layering of flavors will build the backbone of your chili sauce

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef and water to the skillet Use a wooden spoon to break up clumps Aim to make the beef as fine as possible so the sauce is smooth and not chunky Continue cooking until the beef loses all its pinkness and is well crumbled

Drain the Excess Fat:

Carefully drain any fat or liquid from the pan so your chili sauce is not greasy Lean beef helps here

Transfer and Mix:

Place the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker Add tomato paste ketchup beef broth mustard Worcestershire sauce chili powder garlic powder paprika salt pepper and sugar if using Stir very well to combine making sure no clumps remain

Slow Cook the Sauce:

Set the slow cooker to low Cover and let the sauce simmer gently for two to three hours Stir once or twice as it cooks The time lets all the flavors meld and become rich and thick The sauce will darken and become glossy as it finishes

Serve and Enjoy:

Pour over hot dogs pile on fries or spoon over a fluffy baked potato Top with your favorite fixings like cheese or jalapenos and serve while hot

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Hot dog chili has become my secret weapon for casual get togethers The way lean ground beef soaks up all those spices and turns out spoon tender after hours in the slow cooker never fails to impress My kids have become true chili connoisseurs and can spot store bought from a mile away

Storage Tips

Once cooled store chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days It reheats beautifully either on the stove over low or in the microwave You can freeze any leftovers in freezer safe containers or bags with all air pressed out The sauce keeps well frozen for up to three months making it perfect for future busy nights

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of beef try ground turkey or even a mix of beef and turkey for a lighter chili For vegetarians use a plant based ground crumble and vegetable broth in place of beef broth You can experiment with spicy ketchup or add chipotle powder if you want more heat or smokiness

Serving Suggestions

Classic style is piled high on grilled hot dogs but I love using this sauce as a topping for oven baked fries tater tots or roasted potato rounds You can also spoon it over rice or all beef sausages for a comforting meal With cheese onions or even a fried egg on top you have a diner worthy treat right at home

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Cultural and Historical Context

Hot dog chili sauces have roots in early twentieth century American diners where cooks looked for hearty easy toppings to satisfy crowds Each region from the Midwest to the South has its own spin and family recipe My version pulls in the classic elements but keeps it approachable with everyday pantry ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of beef works best?

Lean ground beef is recommended for a meaty texture while keeping the sauce less greasy. Use 85-90% lean for best results.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Yes, this chili sauce refrigerates well for 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months in an air-tight container.

→ Is this chili sauce spicy?

The sauce carries mild heat from chili powder and paprika, but you can add diced jalapenos to increase the spice level.

→ What are the best ways to serve it?

It's delicious atop hot dogs, baked potatoes, or French fries. Add cheese, onions, or jalapenos for extra flavor.

→ Are there stovetop directions?

You can prepare this on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients together for about an hour after browning the meat.

→ What toppings pair well?

Shredded cheese, diced onions, and sliced jalapenos create classic flavor combinations and extra texture.