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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
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Warm up with this easy Crockpot Hot Dog Chili recipe, a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish combining tender hot dogs with rich chili spices. Perfect for cozy nights, this mild and kid-friendly chili is budget-friendly, versatile, and effortless to prepare, making it a family favorite for simple dinners or creative meal ideas.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8–10 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 to 1.5 cups beef broth or water

Optional Variations & Add-ins

  • 1–2 diced jalapeños or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for cheesy delight)
  • 1 diced bell pepper or ½ cup corn (for chunky variety)
  • Smoked hot dogs or 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the onion and garlic. Gather all your spices and other ingredients to make the cooking process seamless.
  2. Combine everything in the crockpot: Place the sliced hot dogs, rinsed beans, tomato sauce, chopped onions, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and brown sugar into your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth or water last to ensure enough moisture for slow cooking.
  3. Set and simmer: Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, until the flavors blend and the chili thickens.
  4. Taste and adjust: Before serving, give your chili a stir and adjust seasoning as needed by adding salt, pepper, or extra chili powder to suit your taste buds.
  5. Serve with garnishes and sides: Top with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve alongside cornbread, baked potatoes, or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Use quality hot dogs for the best flavor and texture.
  • For extra depth, brown hot dogs and onions in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.
  • If using canned beans, rinse well to reduce sodium and starch.
  • Add half the spices at the beginning and the rest midway through cooking for balanced flavor.
  • If chili is too thin, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot chili, hot dog chili, slow cooker chili, kid-friendly chili, budget-friendly dinner, easy crockpot recipe, comfort food, chili recipe with hot dogs

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/crockpot-hot-dog-chili/