Slow Cooker Beer Dogs

Skip the grill and let your slow cooker do the work! These Beer Dogs are simmered with buttery sweet onions in a bold, savory sauce made with beer, Worcestershire, Italian dressing, and Cajun seasoning. They're juicy, flavorful, and perfect for cookouts, game days, or an easy weeknight dinner.

No Sweat Summer Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family Friendly

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leftovers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Budget Friendly

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy dump-and-go recipe

• Perfect for feeding a crowd

• Packed with bold flavor

• Great for parties, tailgates, and summer cookouts

• No standing over a hot grill

Ingredients

• 8 all-beef hot dogs

• 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 cup light beer (lager or pilsner)
  (Substitute beef broth if preferred.)

• ⅓ cup Italian dressing

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 8 hot dog buns

Instructions

1. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the hot dogs by making shallow diagonal cuts about ¼ inch apart. This helps the hot dogs soak up more flavor while cooking.

2. Add the sliced onions to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the butter over the onions.

3. In a medium measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beer, Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar until well combined.

4. Pour the sauce over the onions.

5. Arrange the hot dogs on top of the onions. Spoon a little of the sauce over the hot dogs.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, or until the onions are soft and the hot dogs are heated through. Avoid cooking much longer, as hot dogs can split and become overly soft.

7. If you'd like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking or stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and cook until slightly thickened.

8. Toast the buns if desired. Serve each hot dog topped with plenty of the buttery Cajun onions and spoon a little extra sauce over the top.

   Optional Toppings

   • Pepper Jack cheese

   • Pickled jalapeños

   • Crispy fried onions

   • Dill pickle chips or potato salad

Michelle's Tips

• For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon.

• Beef broth can be substituted for the beer if serving children or if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.

• Leftover onions make an amazing topping for burgers, brats, or sausages.

What To Serve With It

Link to:

• Potato Salad

• Dill Pickle Chips