Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Comfort Food!
Are you ready to take your hot dogs to the next level? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili recipe! Bursting with savory flavors and hearty textures, this chili is the perfect topping for your favorite hot dogs, burgers, or even fries. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort required, you can let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering chili, along with some cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed for desired consistency
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2. Add Aromatics:
- To the slow cooker, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
3. Add Sauce and Seasonings:
- Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally and add water as needed if the chili becomes too thick.
5. Serve:
- Once the chili is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the hot dog chili warm over your favorite hot dogs, burgers, or fries. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped onions, or any other toppings of your choice.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Texture: For a smoother texture, you can puree the chili using an immersion blender before serving.
- Make Ahead: This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat before serving.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meatless crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can easily swap ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that ground turkey may have a slightly milder flavor compared to beef.
Q: How spicy is this chili? A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the chili powder and red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or red pepper flakes.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Low-Carb Toppings: Instead of serving the chili over traditional hot dog buns, enjoy it over grilled sausages or low-carb bread or buns to keep it keto-friendly.
Low-Carb:
- Vegetable Substitutes: Replace the tomato sauce and paste with diced tomatoes or tomato puree to reduce the carb content. Additionally, use a sugar substitute instead of sugar.
Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili is a game-changer when it comes to elevating your favorite comfort foods. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game day gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, this chili is sure to satisfy. With its rich flavors and customizable spice level, it’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. So fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on classic hot dog chili. Cheers to good food and great company!
