This easy slow cooker recipe creates a savory, meaty sauce perfect for topping hot dogs. It is a simple way to achieve a classic Coney Island flavor with minimal active effort.
List of ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (cooked, crumbled, drained) – provides the primary meaty base.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – adds thickness, acidity, and body to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup water – maintains the correct moisture level during the slow cooking process.
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – contributes a deep, savory umami profile.
- 1/4 white onion, minced – adds a sharp, aromatic quality to the chili.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – provides a concentrated savory punch without fresh cloves.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper – adds a subtle earthy heat.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder – delivers the essential signature chili flavor.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper – adds a slight spicy kick to balance the richness.
- 1 tbsp ground mustard – introduces a tangy depth to the overall taste.
step-by-step instructions
- Combine: Add the cooked ground beef and all remaining ingredients into the bowl of your slow cooker.
- Mix: Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all spices and liquids are evenly combined.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for four hours.
- Serve: Spoon the finished chili over hot dogs, or allow it to cool completely for storage in an airtight container.
Meat Preparation Tips
Browning the Beef Thoroughly
When preparing the ground beef, cook it over medium-high heat until it is completely browned. Ensure you break the meat into small crumbles during the process to avoid large chunks in the final sauce. This step ensures the meat is fully cooked before it enters the slow cooker.
Draining Excess Fat
After browning the beef, carefully drain off the excess grease using a colander or a spoon. Removing the fat prevents the chili from becoming oily or separating during the four-hour simmer. Using lean ground beef also helps minimize the amount of grease produced.
Ingredient Selection Guide
Choosing the Right Tomato Sauce
Use a plain tomato sauce without added herbs or sugars to keep the flavor profile authentic. A smooth consistency is preferred over crushed tomatoes to ensure the chili blends seamlessly with the meat. This creates the classic smooth texture found in Coney Island style sauces.
Selecting Quality Ground Beef
Opt for 90% lean ground beef or higher to ensure a clean taste and better texture. Leaner meat reduces the need for extensive draining and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy. High-quality beef provides the best flavor foundation for the spices to build upon.
Selecting the Best Mustard
Use a high-quality ground mustard powder rather than prepared mustard for a more integrated flavor. The powder distributes more evenly throughout the sauce during the slow cooking process. It provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the beef.
Adjusting the Sauce Texture
Reducing Liquid by Simmering Without a Lid
If the chili is too thin after four hours, remove the lid and continue cooking on low. The evaporation process will naturally thicken the sauce while concentrating the flavors. Stir occasionally every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent the bottom from scorching.
Quickly Thickening with a Cornstarch Slurry
For a faster thickening method, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Stir this smooth slurry into the hot chili and cook for a few more minutes. This method provides an immediate increase in viscosity without altering the taste.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
Controlling the Spice Level
To increase the heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne to a tiny pinch or omit it entirely. Always taste the chili toward the end of the cooking time before adding more heat.
Adding a Touch of Sweetness
A small amount of brown sugar or a teaspoon of maple syrup can balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. This creates a more complex flavor profile that appeals to those who prefer a slightly sweeter sauce. Add this in small increments and stir well to dissolve.
Enhancing the Smokiness
Replacing half of the chili powder with smoked paprika can add a depth of flavor reminiscent of grilled meats. This gives the sauce a subtle charred quality that pairs exceptionally well with grilled frankfurters. It adds a professional dimension to the homemade recipe.
Creative Serving Ideas
Pairing with Traditional Coney Dog Garnishes
Spoon the chili generously over a grilled beef frankfurter in a steamed bun. Top the chili with finely diced raw white onions and a drizzle of yellow mustard for the most authentic experience. This combination of textures and flavors is a classic for a reason.
Applying Hot Dog Chili to Taco Shells
Use this meaty sauce as a filling for hard corn taco shells or soft flour tortillas. Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and shredded lettuce for a quick meal. The thick consistency of the chili makes it an excellent alternative to traditional taco meat.
Using Chili as a Baked Potato Topper
Spoon a large scoop of hot chili over a fluffy, baked potato. Add a dollop of sour cream and some chopped chives to complete the dish. The richness of the beef sauce complements the neutral taste of the potato perfectly.
Mixing Chili into Macaroni and Cheese
Stir the chili into a pot of prepared macaroni and cheese to create a savory chili mac. This turns a simple side dish into a hearty main course. The cheese and chili blend together to create a creamy, spicy comfort food.
Storage and Preservation
Storing Chili in Airtight Containers
Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight plastic or glass container. Store it in the main body of the refrigerator, away from the door where temperatures fluctuate. This method keeps the chili fresh for up to one week.
Extending Shelf Life Using Mason Jars
Spoon hot chili into clean mason jars and seal them tightly with lids and rings. Let the jars cool before placing them in the refrigerator to create a better seal. This method can extend the storage life of the chili for up to two weeks.
Freezing Chili for Long Term Use
Transfer cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. The chili will remain high in quality for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw the chili slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods
Reheating Chili on the Stove
Place the chilled chili in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and add a tablespoon of water if the sauce has become too thick. Heat until it reaches a gentle simmer throughout.
Efficiently Warming Chili in the Microwave
Place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session to avoid cold spots. This is the fastest method for individual portions.
Using the Slow Cooker Warm Mode
Keep the chili in the slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting during a party or gathering. This prevents the sauce from skinning over and keeps it at a safe serving temperature. Stir every hour to maintain a consistent texture.
Common Troubleshooting
Fixing Watery Chili
Watery chili usually happens if the beef wasn’t drained well or the lid was sealed too tightly. Simmer the sauce without a lid for 30 to 60 minutes to let the excess moisture escape. You can also use the cornstarch slurry method for an instant fix.
Reducing Excessive Saltiness
If the chili tastes too salty, add a small amount of unsalted tomato puree or a splash of water. A pinch of sugar can also help mask the saltiness by balancing the flavor profile. Avoid adding more salt until the very end of the process.
Enhancing Under-Seasoned Chili
If the flavor feels flat, increase the amount of Worcestershire sauce or ground mustard. These ingredients provide the deep, tangy notes that define a Coney style sauce. Always allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes after adjusting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw beef instead of pre-cooked?
While the recipe calls for cooked beef to ensure a specific texture and grease level, you can add raw lean beef. If using raw beef, you may need to increase the cooking time or use the high setting for the first two hours to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How long does this chili stay fresh?
When stored in a standard airtight container in the refrigerator, the chili stays fresh for about seven days. Using the mason jar method can extend this to fourteen days. Always check for freshness before consuming stored leftovers.
What are the best hot dogs to use?
All-beef frankfurters provide the best flavor match for this savory chili. Grilling them or pan-searing them adds a charred flavor that complements the slow-cooked sauce. Ensure the buns are steamed or toasted for the best experience.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on high pressure for 15 to 20 minutes. Perform a natural pressure release for 10 minutes to keep the meat tender. This is a great option if you are short on time.
Print
Slow Cooker Coney Island Hot Dog Chili
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Coney Island is famous for many things, it’s unique style of hot dog chili chief among them. Get your fix without ever leaving home, without any extra effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (cooked, crumbled, drained)
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 white onion (minced)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp ground mustard
Instructions
- Step: Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of your slow cooker.
- Step: Stir everything together to evenly combine.
- Step: Cover and cook on low for four hours.
- Step: Spoon the chili over hot dogs, or let it cool and store it in an airtight container for up to a week- until ready to use.
Notes
If the chili is too thin, you can leave the lid off and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water until thickened.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Condiment, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 58 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 48 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg