Slow Cooker Hot Dogs Recipe for Easy Weeknight Meals

There’s something incredibly comforting about hot dogs, especially when they’re cooked low and slow to perfection. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, slow cooker hot dogs are an easy and delicious option that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

This method allows the hot dogs to soak up a rich mixture of spices and sauces, making every bite juicy and tender. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep your hot dogs warm for hours without drying them out, which is perfect for parties or family dinners.

If you’re looking for a fuss-free recipe that everyone will love, this slow cooker hot dogs recipe is just what you need. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready whenever you are.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavorful, hands-off approach to a classic favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker hot dogs recipe offers a perfect blend of convenience and taste. You don’t have to hover over the stove or grill, as the slow cooker does all the work for you.

The hot dogs absorb the smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors from the sauce, making them more interesting than your average boiled or grilled dogs.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can customize the flavor profile by adjusting the sauce ingredients or adding extras like onions, peppers, or cheese. Plus, it’s a great recipe for feeding a crowd, as slow cookers can handle large batches effortlessly.

Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a party, this recipe keeps the hot dogs warm and juicy for hours.

Ingredients

• 12 hot dogs (beef, pork, turkey, or your favorite type)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced green bell peppers (optional)
• Hot dog buns for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, relish, sauerkraut, jalapeños

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for optional veggies)
• Tongs or slotted spoon for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add veggies (optional): If using, stir in the diced onions and green bell peppers into the sauce. These add a nice texture and flavor to the finished dish.
3. Arrange hot dogs: Place the hot dogs in the bottom of your slow cooker, laying them in a single layer or slightly overlapping if needed.
4. Pour sauce over hot dogs: Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the hot dogs, making sure they are well coated.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the hot dogs to soak up the flavors and become tender without drying out.
6. Stir occasionally: About halfway through cooking, gently stir the hot dogs in the sauce to ensure even coating.
7. Serve: When done, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the hot dogs to buns. Spoon some of the sauce and veggies over the top and add your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce. You can also swap out the ketchup for barbecue sauce to give the hot dogs a tangier kick.”

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Cheesy option: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the hot dogs in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a melty topping.
• Vegetarian alternative: Use plant-based hot dogs and the same sauce for a meat-free version.
• Serve with sides: Pair with classic coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad to complete your meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker hot dogs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can place them in traditional hot dog buns and dress them up with mustard, ketchup, relish, or sauerkraut for a classic feel.

For a heartier meal, consider topping with chili and shredded cheese, or serve alongside crunchy coleslaw and baked beans for a picnic-style spread.

If you want to get creative, try serving the hot dogs chopped up over a bed of creamy mac and cheese or wrapped in puff pastry for a fun appetizer. No matter how you serve them, these hot dogs are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

Conclusion

Slow cooker hot dogs are a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a flavor boost. The slow cooking process infuses the hot dogs with a rich, tangy sauce that elevates them beyond the usual grilled or boiled versions.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a no-fuss meal that tastes incredible.

With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can prepare a crowd-pleasing dish that stays warm and juicy for hours. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and sides to make each meal unique and exciting.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy hot dogs!

Looking for more easy slow cooker meals? Check out our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, and Slow Cooker Meatball Subs recipes for delicious ideas you can set and forget!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Slow Cooker Hot Dogs”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and delicious way to cook hot dogs using a slow cooker. Perfect for parties or easy weeknight dinners.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H”, “totalTime”: “PT2H10M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 hot dogs”, “1 cup ketchup”, “1/2 cup yellow mustard”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup chopped onion”, “1/4 cup pickle relish”, “6 hot dog buns”, “Optional: shredded cheese, chopped onions, or sauerkraut for topping”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place hot dogs in the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, chopped onion, and pickle relish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the sauce mixture over the hot dogs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 2 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove hot dogs and serve in buns.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add optional toppings as desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250”, “proteinContent”: “10g”, “fatContent”: “15g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}