Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's easy to make and perfect for a crowd? Look no further! This slow cooker hot dog chili recipe is your answer. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, delivering a rich and delicious chili that's ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. It's one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers delicious results, making it a staple in our household.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings of hearty, flavorful chili.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 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 (15-ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 8-12 hot dogs, cooked and sliced (for serving)
- Toppings of your choice: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Effortless Chili Creation
This recipe is designed for simplicity, even for those new to homemade cooking.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by sautéing the chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor of your chili.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a richness to the chili that canned meat alone can’t provide.
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Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili beans (undrained), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: 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 beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili is cooked, serve it hot over your cooked and sliced hot dogs. Top with your favorite chili toppings and enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Tips and Variations for a Personalized Touch
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Meatless Marvel: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Bean Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Black beans, great northern beans, or even a mix of beans would work well.
- Make it a Meal Prep Winner: This chili freezes beautifully! Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approximate, based on ground beef version)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hot dog chili recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking. It's a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that delivers on both flavor and convenience, making it a healthy meals option that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!