Cozy Crockpot Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful

Crafting a hearty crockpot chili recipe sparks comfort and warmth on chilly evenings.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, soul-satisfying meal.

Meaty, robust flavors mingle with tender beans and aromatic spices.

Cold days call for something deeply nourishing that hugs you from the inside.

Each spoonful tells a story of classic home cooking with modern convenience.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting your kitchen work its magic while you relax.

Pack this chili with your favorite toppings and savor every delicious bite.

Tips for Slow Cooker Chili Success

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy chili and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding to crockpot to enhance their flavor and develop a deeper taste profile.
• Add spices gradually and taste periodically to build complex flavor layers without overwhelming heat.
• Mix different beans like kidney, black, and pinto for texture variation and enhanced nutritional value.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder carefully, starting with small amounts and increasing gradually to suit personal heat preference.

Variations to Change Up Crockpot Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat and calories while maintaining rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Chili: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially tomato products and broth.
• Keto-Friendly Chili: Eliminate beans, use low-carb vegetables like zucchini, and increase meat proportion for higher fat content.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chili

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty chili during board game sessions with friends, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere perfect for competitive play.
• Topping Extravaganza: Create a DIY chili topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy tortilla strips, and diced avocado for personalized flavor adventures.
• Comfort Meal Pairing: Complement the chili with warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or buttery garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili into stuffed bell peppers, chili mac and cheese, or use as a topping for loaded baked potatoes, maximizing your culinary creativity.

Storing Crockpot Chili Safely

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, chili freezes excellently for up to 4-6 months.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili seems too thick, helping restore moisture and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for this chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded beef work great as alternatives to ground beef, offering different flavors and protein options.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe provides a medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and adding jalapenos according to your preference.

• How can I make this chili healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and choose low-sodium broth and beans to boost nutritional value without compromising taste.

• Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes perfectly. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.

Slow Cooker Chili for Effortless Flavor

• Hands-Off Cooking: Crockpot chili requires minimal supervision, letting you set it and forget it while enjoying a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Layering spices and ingredients creates a rich, deep taste that develops beautifully during slow cooking, making even novice cooks look like culinary experts.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This recipe easily accommodates dietary preferences by allowing simple ingredient swaps, such as using ground turkey or adding extra vegetables for a personalized touch.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for batch cooking, this chili freezes wonderfully and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal option for busy families and meal planners.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: These vegetables create a deep, foundational flavor profile and add natural sweetness to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: These ingredients build a robust, tangy base that gives the chili its classic red color and acidic depth.

• Beans: A classic chili ingredient that adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: These spices create a complex, warming heat and authentic chili flavor.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Bay Leaves, Sugar, Corn, Beer, Jalapenos: Additional ingredients that can customize and deepen the chili's taste profile.

How to Make Crockpot Chili Easily

Step 1: Sizzle and Drain Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until browned.

Carefully drain away excess fat using a colander, ensuring a lean meat base for your chili.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers into the same skillet.

Cook until vegetables become tender and release their fragrant flavors.

Step 3: Combine Meat and Vegetables in Crockpot

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the crockpot.

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beans
• Beef broth

Step 4: Season with Spice Blend

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Step 5: Enhance with Optional Ingredients

• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves
• Sugar
• Corn
• Beer
• Jalapenos

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and let chili simmer on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your hearty chili.

Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired crockpot chili brings hearty flavors to your dinner table. Slow-cooking beef, beans, and spices creates a comforting meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 or 2 jalapenos, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup corn (optional)

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup beer (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 or 2 bay leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of fat. Drain and discard excess grease.
2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the crockpot, creating a robust base for the chili.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, creating a rich liquid foundation for the dish.
5. Add kidney beans and beef broth to introduce depth and protein to the chili’s composition.
6. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for a complex flavor profile.
7. Enhance the complexity with optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, sugar, corn kernels, beer, or sliced jalapenos.
8. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld thoroughly.
9. Before serving, remove bay leaves and taste, adjusting seasonings to achieve perfect balance and warmth.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and choosing mild or spicy chili powder for personal preference.
• Use lean ground beef or substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
• Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of dark beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder during slow cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg