Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or a cozy night in. This slow cooker recipe combines lean ground beef with beans and a robust chili spice blend, delivering incredible flavor with minimal prep time. It’s an easy dish that allows you to set it and forget it while filling your home with delightful aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just brown the meat, combine the ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the rest.
• Rich Flavor: A homemade chili seasoning enhances the taste, making every bite satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served alongside cornbread, chips, or cheese.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking; enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family Favorite: This Crockpot Chili is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Crockpot Chili requires just a few essential tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Non-Stick Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over several hours.
• Large Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for browning meat without sticking, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely before adding them to your chili.

Ingredients

Made with lean ground beef, beans, and a homemade chili spice blend, this recipe for Slow Cooker Chili delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

For the Chili Base

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small yellow or white onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

For the Tomato Base

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

For Flavoring

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (see note)
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning (see note for recipe)

For Beans

• 1 (15.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15.5 oz) can light red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)

How to Make Crockpot Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown 2 pounds of lean ground beef along with 1 small diced onion. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to toast the garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Remove the cooked meat mixture from heat and drain any excess grease if necessary. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add:
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
– 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
– 1 (15.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans
– 1 (15.5 oz) can light red kidney beans

Mix all ingredients well to ensure even distribution throughout.

Step 4: Cook Your Chili

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve your delicious Crockpot Chili hot! It pairs beautifully with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or cornbread.

Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness to the chili.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and provides a cool contrast.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions bring a crunchy texture and bright flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado enhances the chili’s taste and adds healthy fats.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up every drop of chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide an excellent scoop for your chili.
• Rice: Serve over cooked rice for a hearty meal that fills you up.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad adds crispness and balances the richness of the chili.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chili

Creating the perfect Crockpot Chili involves a few key techniques. Here are some essential tips to enhance your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat improve the overall flavor and texture.
• Brown the Meat First: Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your chili before serving and adjust spices or salt as needed for balance.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Guacamole: This creamy dip made from avocados complements the spicy notes of chili beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it a great contrast to hearty chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as an excellent base for spooning over your delicious chili.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The melty cheese and crispy bread make for comforting bites alongside spicy chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, quinoa, or vegetables, making them a nutritious companion to chili.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Crockpot Chili, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat first can result in a less flavorful chili. Always brown your meat and onion before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavors.
• Using too much liquid: Overloading your chili with broth or tomatoes can make it watery. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe for the best consistency.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient adds flavor, but some might be saltier than others. Always taste and adjust your spices before serving.
• Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to underdeveloped flavors. For maximum taste, let your chili cook on low for at least 8 hours.
• Adding dairy too early: If you’re topping your chili with cheese or sour cream, add it just before serving. Adding it too early can cause curdling and an undesirable texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Chili in airtight containers.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chili

• Allow chili to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Frozen chili will maintain its best quality for about 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Chili:

Can I use different meats in my Crockpot Chili?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb based on your preference.

How spicy is this Crockpot Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less chili seasoning, so feel free to customize according to your taste.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with my Crockpot Chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even over rice for a hearty meal.

How long does it take to make Crockpot Chili?

It takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chili recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite beans or vegetables. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crockpot Chili

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Chili is a comforting and robust dish that brings warmth to any gathering or cozy night in. This easy slow cooker recipe combines lean ground beef with hearty beans and a vibrant homemade chili spice blend, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor yet requires minimal prep time. Just brown the meat, toss in fresh ingredients, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy the delightful aromas filling your home. Perfect for family dinners or game days, this chili is sure to be a hit among both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small yellow or white onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
• 1 (15.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15.5 oz) can light red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)

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Instructions

1. In a large non-stick skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker and drain any excess grease.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and both cans of beans to the slow cooker. Mix well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Serve hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado slices, or chopped green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg