This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see the disclosure for more information.
I was researching inexpensive lunch ideas for a crowd. That’s when I came across the idea for these slow cooker down-home chili dogs. We were challenged to feed close to 50 people for less than $100 (before prices went crazy!). It didn’t have to be fancy. But it did have to be good. These dogs satisfied the criteria perfectly. They’re easy, taste great, and are easy to transport. Win!
Messiest Dogs Around. And That’s A Good Thing.
Slow cooker down-home chili dogs are perfect for those lovers of sloppy, dripping, great dogs. You can also warm these in a crockpot without any additional ingredients. Between the two you can feed a crowd, satisfying those chili dog lovers and those that prefer their dogs a little more ‘plain’. Just set up a hot dog bar nearby with ketchup, mustard, mayo (yes, mayo), chopped onion, jalapenos, cheese… all the favorites!
The best way to get super-melted creamy cheddar on top of these dogs is to shred it by hand. Don’t use that pre-shredded stuff. It contains additives to keep it from sticking together and clumping. Those additives also keep it from melting well.
Also try my delicious slow cooker Sloppy Joes.
Slow Cooker Down-Home Chili Dogs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 hot dogs
- 1 small onion chopped
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
- 8 hot dog buns
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a skillet, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain.
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add the hot dogs. Top with the cooked beef. Sprinkle with the onion.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Pour over the hot dogs.
- Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours.
- Serve dogs on buns topped with the chili sauce and plenty of cheese.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.