Crockpot Chili

There’s nothing better than coming home to a delicious, hearty, and comforting meal after a long day, and Crockpot Chili is exactly that! This recipe is all about the rich, savory flavors of tender beef, beans, and spices that simmer together in a slow cooker, making the house smell irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some comforting chili, this recipe has you covered. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and hearty—and the best part? It practically makes itself.

Imagine sitting down with a big bowl of this chili, topped with cheese, sour cream, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh cilantro—trust me, you’re going to feel cozy and satisfied with every bite. The best thing about it? You can customize it to your heart’s content, whether you love extra heat, more beans, or a different mix of veggies. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing favorite!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chili

Here’s why this Crockpot Chili is a go-to recipe:

Effortless Cooking: Throw everything into the crockpot in the morning, set it, and forget it. By dinnertime, you’ve got a hearty, delicious meal waiting for you.

Flavorful & Hearty: The flavors only get better as they simmer in the slow cooker. The beans, beef, tomatoes, and spices blend together to create a savory, rich chili that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Customizable: This recipe is super flexible. Add extra veggies, adjust the spiciness, or throw in some extra beans for more texture. It’s easy to make it just the way you like it.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Feeding a Crowd: This chili makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Budget-Friendly: You can make a big pot of chili without breaking the bank. The ingredients are simple and affordable, but the result is anything but basic.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chili

Ready to make this delicious chili? Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey): The base of the chili, providing hearty texture and flavor. Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a savory foundation to the chili.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: For a touch of sweetness and extra color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a flavorful aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Classic chili beans that add texture and substance to the dish.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: For additional heartiness and a different bean texture.
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds richness and tang to the chili.
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: To thicken the chili and concentrate the flavor.
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth): The liquid base that helps everything simmer together.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: The essential spice for that signature chili flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness to balance out the heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the chili perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra heat!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this Crockpot Chili is so easy, and the results are totally worth the wait. Here’s how to do it:

1. Brown the Meat:

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

2. Add to the Crockpot:

• Transfer the cooked meat and veggie mixture into the crockpot.
• Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.

3. Add the Spices:

• Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chili mixture.

4. Cook:

• Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop, so don’t rush this step.

5. Taste and Adjust:

• Once the chili is done cooking, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. Some classic options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 850mg
  Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugars: 7g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 45%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 20%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Crockpot Chili

This Crockpot Chili is perfect on its own or paired with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:

With Cornbread: Serve this chili with a warm, buttery cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Over Rice: For a heartier option, serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice.

With Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or topping.

With a Side Salad: Pair the chili with a fresh, crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

For a Fun Twist: Add some shredded cheese, sour cream, and a few slices of jalapeño for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat or just skip the meat altogether and double up on beans and veggies.
• Add More Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or corn if you’d like.
• Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes wonderfully! Make a double batch, and freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Spice It Up: If you like your chili extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or even a chopped jalapeño to the mix.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for this chili?
A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork as an alternative to beef. You can also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian chili.

Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can chop up about 4-5 medium tomatoes and add them in place of the canned diced tomatoes.

Q3: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for later.

Q4: Can I make this chili in a pressure cooker?
A4: Yes! You can make it in a pressure cooker by using the sauté function to brown the meat and veggies, then adding the remaining ingredients and cooking on high pressure for 15-20 minutes.

Q5: Can I add extra vegetables to the chili?
A5: Yes! Feel free to add veggies like corn, zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes for more texture and flavor.

Q6: Can I make this chili spicier?
A6: Definitely! Add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even some chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat.

Q7: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A7: Yes, canned beans work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili.

Q8: How can I make this chili milder?
A8: To make it milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder, and skip the jalapeños or other spicy additions.

Q9: Can I make this chili without tomato paste?
A9: Yes! If you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute with a little extra diced tomatoes or even a bit of tomato sauce.

Q10: Can I use a different broth for this recipe?
A10: Yes! You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of beef broth if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this chili will not disappoint. Plus, it’s even better as leftovers, so you can enjoy it all week long!

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