The Best Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe for a Crowd

Nothing says classic comfort food like a juicy hot dog smothered in hearty chili—but traditional versions often come with a side of guilt. Enter Crockpot Hot Dog Chili, a lighter take on this crowd-pleasing favorite. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, this slow-cooker chili is designed to keep you on track without sacrificing taste. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a diner-style chili dog, but with fewer calories and Smart Points. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Set It and Forget It: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, making this recipe ideal for busy schedules.
• Weight Watchers-Friendly: Lean protein, beans, and veggies keep points low (just 2-3 WW points per serving).
• Versatile: Use it as a hot dog topping, over nachos, or even as a standalone chili bowl.
• Kid-Approved: Mildly spiced and packed with flavor, this chili is a hit with all ages.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (96% fat-free)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional, to taste)
• Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil

Optional Toppings (add points as needed):

• Chopped green onions
• Fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickled jalapeños
• Light sour cream

Instructions:

Brown the Turkey

1. Lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray or heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned and the veggies are tender (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Assemble in the Crockpot

1. Transfer the turkey mixture to a crockpot.
2. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using). Stir well to combine.

Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors!
2. Stir occasionally. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Spoon the chili over your favorite Weight Watchers-friendly hot dogs (try turkey or plant-based dogs for fewer points).
2. Add optional toppings like green onions or fat-free cheese.

Nutritional Information (Per 1/2 Cup Serving):

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW Points: ~2-3 (calculated without toppings)

Tips for Success:

• Boost the Veggies: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for extra fiber and volume.
• Spice It Up: For a kick, stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for quick weekday meals.
• Go Meatless: Swap ground turkey for plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian.

Serving Ideas:

• Classic Chili Dogs: Serve on whole-wheat buns with light cheese and mustard.
• Chili Nachos: Layer baked tortilla chips with chili, fat-free cheese, and salsa.
• Stuffed Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Solo Bowl: Enjoy as a protein-packed meal with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers:

By using lean turkey, fiber-rich beans, and zero-point veggies, this chili stays light but still delivers the rich, savory flavor you crave. The crockpot method allows the ingredients to meld beautifully without needing excess oil or fat. Plus, portion control is easy—serve a little on a hot dog or a lot in a bowl, depending on your daily points budget.

Weight Watchers Crockpot Hot Dog Chili proves that comfort food doesn’t have to derail your progress. With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and flexibility to suit any meal, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, guilt-free dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this chili will quickly become a staple in your Weight Watchers repertoire. Dig in and enjoy the warmth of a healthier classic!