Description
This Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices that create a hearty, flavorful dish. Set it and forget it with this easy slow-cooker recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or game days. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños. It’s an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
-
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot.
2. Add the Ingredients:
- To the crockpot, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, diced green chilies (if using), and beef broth.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
3. Cook in the Crockpot:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible.
- Taste the chili about halfway through and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Serve:
- Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions.
- Serve with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Notes
- Bean Variations: Feel free to use any type of beans you prefer, such as pinto beans or navy beans.
- Meat Options: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with additional beans (e.g., black beans, pinto beans, or lentils).
- Spicy Adjustments: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or by incorporating some fresh chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 50mg