Description
Looking for an easy recipe that pleases a crowd and takes minimal effort? These Loaded Crockpot Chili Cheese Dogs deliver all the cozy comfort of a slow-cooked meal in a grab-and-go format. With juicy franks, hearty beef chili, and melty cheese in every bite, this dish is a go-to for casual dinners, game day snacks, and party food ideas. It’s one of those quick dinner recipes that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or fun food ideas that even picky eaters will love, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
8 all-beef hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced white onions
¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer the beef to a crockpot. Add tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen.
4. One hour before serving, nestle the hot dogs into the chili and cover to let them heat through.
5. Lightly toast the hot dog buns to prevent sogginess (optional but recommended).
6. Place each hot dog into a bun, top generously with chili, then add cheddar cheese, diced onions, and green onions.
7. Serve hot with optional sides like coleslaw or potato wedges.
Notes
For even more flavor, use smoked sausages or bratwursts instead of regular hot dogs.
Make the chili a day ahead for deeper flavor—just reheat and add franks before serving.
Don’t skip lightly toasting the buns; it keeps them sturdy and prevents sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Party Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili cheese dog
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg