Slow-Cooked Hearty Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Introduction
If you’ve ever bitten into a juicy hot dog only to find the chili topping bland and underwhelming, it’s time to change the game. This Slow-Cooked Hearty Hot Dog Chili Sauce delivers bold, beefy flavor with the kind of savory depth that only comes from slow cooking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day, a summer BBQ, or just indulging in a nostalgic classic, this recipe has everything your hot dog dreams are made of.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about a rich, meaty chili sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of a grilled hot dog. This crockpot version means minimal hands-on work and maximum flavor development. I love how the spices mellow and meld into the tomato base over hours of low heat, creating a topping that’s both comforting and craveable.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a leaner version, feel free to swap out the beef.
- Smoked Paprika – Add a smoky dimension by subbing 1 tsp of chili powder with smoked paprika.
- Spice It Up – Want heat? Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Beef Broth Sub – No broth? Water + bouillon cube works in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for about 30–45 minutes, or until the meat is browned.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully remove any excess fat from the crockpot for a cleaner sauce.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Tomato Base Time: Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Liquids Last: Pour in the beef broth and apple cider vinegar. Mix until fully combined.
- Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally if you can.
- Serve & Enjoy: Spoon generously over grilled hot dogs in buns. Top with shredded cheese, onions, or jalapeños if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar – It brightens up the chili and balances the richness.
- Cook Low and Slow – Resist the urge to cook it faster. Low heat develops flavor.
- Double Batch – This freezes beautifully. Make extra for next time!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this hot dog chili on classic buns with shredded cheddar and chopped onions. Want to impress? Try it with:
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – a creamy, cheesy sidekick to your chili dogs.
- Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) – perfect for using extra chili as a topping.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – crowd-pleasers for game nights.
- Beer Cheese Dip – because you can never have too much cheese.
- Walking Taco Bar – spoon this chili into your bag of chips for an instant hit.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- These Totchos
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Beer Cheese Dip
- This Walking Taco Bar
Final Thoughts
Hot dog night just got a serious upgrade. This Slow-Cooked Hearty Hot Dog Chili Sauce is easy to prep, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to earn you compliments. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard bash or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings bold taste with zero fuss.
Tried it? Loved it? Leave a comment and tag us on socials! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more no-fail, flavor-packed recipes.
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