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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of fat. Drain and discard excess grease.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the crockpot, creating a robust base for the chili.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, creating a rich liquid foundation for the dish.
- Add kidney beans and beef broth to introduce depth and protein to the chili’s composition.
- Incorporate chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for a complex flavor profile.
- Enhance the complexity with optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, sugar, corn kernels, beer, or sliced jalapenos.
- 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.
- 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