Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic crock pot hot dog chili recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. It's the ultimate in easy recipes and healthy meals, making it a staple in our house. Let's dive into this amazing homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- Your favorite hot dog buns, for serving
- Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, etc.)
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili. It’s a simple step but makes a big difference!
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the flavour base for your delicious dish.
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Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour becomes. This is a great option for those busy weeknights.
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Serve: Serve the chili hot over your favorite hot dog buns. Top with your preferred toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or even a dollop of plain yogurt for a healthy twist.
Tips for the Best Hot Dog Chili:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and chorizo sausage.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. You could also experiment with different types of chili powder for a unique flavor profile.
- Thicken it up: If your chili is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir this into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans.
- White Chili: Omit the chili powder and cayenne pepper and add 1 (15 ounce) can of cannellini beans and 1 cup of chopped corn.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on toppings and meat choice)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
This hot dog chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a versatile dish that's easy to customize to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!