Easy Slow Cooker Monster Chili Dogs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra flavor, consider stirring in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce before cooking. These additions can provide a subtle complexity that enhances the meaty profile of the chili.

If you find the chili is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.

When serving, consider providing a variety of toppings on the side, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream. This allows guests to customize their chili dogs to their liking.

If you are serving a large group, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting to ensure that every chili dog remains at the perfect temperature throughout the duration of your event.

Variations

• Cheesy Chili Dogs: Stir in two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the last ten minutes of cooking until melted and bubbly for a rich, indulgent variation.
• Spicy Chili Dogs: Add two tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker to give the chili a spicy kick.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbling, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the chili dogs will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When cooling, ensure the container is shallow to allow for faster cooling in the refrigerator, which helps maintain food safety and flavor integrity for subsequent meals.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours before cooking.

Simply move the insert to the slow cooker base and add an extra thirty minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold starting temperature.

Serving ideas

These chili dogs are traditionally served as a hearty main course. Because they are prepared without buns, they are perfect for those looking for a protein-focused meal. Serve them in shallow bowls, spooning plenty of the extra chili from the bottom of the slow cooker over each portion to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and moisture.

For a complete meal, pair these chili dogs with side dishes that complement the richness of the chili. A crisp coleslaw provides a refreshing, acidic contrast to the savory meat, while a simple side of corn on the cob or a fresh green salad can balance the plate. These additions round out the dining experience, making it feel complete and well-composed.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Monster Chili Dogs

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 12 hot dogs
• 1 cup white onion, finely diced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 cans (15 oz each) canned meaty chili, no beans

Instructions

1. Place the hot dogs in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them side by side to ensure even cooking. Scatter the finely diced white onions over the hot dogs to distribute the flavor.
2. Sprinkle the chili powder evenly over the onions and hot dogs. Pour the meaty chili over the top, using a spoon to ensure the hot dogs are well-covered by the sauce.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Ensure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure the hot dogs are heated through thoroughly.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

1150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.