Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

 

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Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that promises to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for cookouts, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. This recipe combines the classic flavors of chili with everyone’s favorite hot dogs, creating a dish that is savory, satisfying, and simply delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it for dinner, this chili is sure to be a hit!

Why you’ll love this recipe

You will love this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! This means you can spend your time doing other things while it cooks. Second, the flavors combine beautifully as the dish simmers. You will experience the rich taste of the chili along with the smokiness of the hot dogs. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves a good bowl of chili, especially when it has that extra kick of hot dog goodness.

How to prepare Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Preparing Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is straightforward and fun. Follow the step-by-step process below to create your own bowl of deliciousness!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean)
• 1/3 cup water
• 5 ounces hot dogs, sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Crockpot: In your crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, sliced hot dogs, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, and minced garlic.

3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it is well combined.

4. Add Water: Pour in the 1/3 cup of water. This will help create a nice sauce as the ingredients cook.

5. Set the Heat: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together.

6. Stir and Serve: About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir. This helps to combine the flavors even more. Once done, serve it hot!

How to serve Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is versatile, making it easy to serve in different ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Bowl: Serve the chili in bowls, topped with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Chili Dogs: Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs. Place a hot dog in a bun and spoon the chili over it for a delicious chili dog.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Pour the chili over a bed of crispy fries and sprinkle with cheese for a mouthwatering treat.
• Cornbread Side: Serve the chili alongside freshly baked cornbread for a hearty meal.

How to store Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), storing your Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is easy. Let the chili cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Preparation tips for Crockpot Hot Dog Chili

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your chili will taste. Choose good quality ground beef and fresh vegetables.

2. Customize Your Spice Level: If you like a little kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

3. Make it Ahead of Time: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before and let it cook the next day.

4. Keep It Simple: Don’t worry too much about chopping the vegetables perfectly. They’re going to break down as they cook anyway.

5. Add More Beans: If you like your chili with more beans, feel free to add another can of kidney beans or even black beans for added flavor and texture.

Variation (if applicable)

Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is quite adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or simply add more beans and vegetables. You wouldn’t miss the meat!

• Chili with Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheese into the chili before serving for an even creamier texture.

• Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings. Avocado, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips are great additions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey instead of ground beef. It will result in a lighter version of the chili, but still very delicious.

2. Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead?

Yes, if you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook this chili on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Is it possible to make this chili without hot dogs?

Of course! You can easily leave out the hot dogs. Just add more beans or vegetables to maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

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In conclusion, Crockpot Hot Dog Chili is a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the best of both worlds: chili and hot dogs. With its ease of preparation and versatility in serving, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!