The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty chili simmering slowly in a crockpot brings comfort on chilly days.

Fragrant spices dance through your kitchen, promising a meal that warms from the inside out.

Beans, ground beef, and tomatoes mingle in a rich, robust blend.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without hours of complicated cooking.

Each spoonful tells a story of depth and satisfaction.

Toss ingredients together, let the magic happen, and watch magic unfold effortlessly.

You’ll want seconds before the first bite is gone.

Why Crockpot Chili Is A Convenient Meal

• Celebrate Seasonal Baking: Capture the essence of autumn with this delightful pumpkin zucchini muffin recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
• Boost Nutrition Secretly: Sneak extra vegetables into a delicious treat that kids and adults will love, making it a smart way to add more nutrients to your diet.
• Master Versatile Baking: Create a flexible recipe that welcomes creative mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, allowing you to customize each batch to your taste.
• Simplify Morning Meals: Prepare a grab-and-go breakfast or snack that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for busy mornings or quick energy boosts.

Ingredients For Crockpot Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that provide texture and boost nutritional value.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, complex flavor base for the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Green Chilies: Ingredients that provide moisture, acidity, and a slight kick to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that develop a warm, robust flavor profile and add depth to the chili.

• Beef Broth, Chicken Broth: Liquids that help create the right consistency and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: A cooking medium used to brown the meat if needed.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro: Garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and freshness to the finished chili.

How To Make Crockpot Chili Easily

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

If using ground meat with higher fat content, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meat until it turns a rich brown color, then carefully drain away any excess grease.

Step 2: Transfer and Add Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Load Up the Beans and Tomatoes

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Diced green chilies

Step 4: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Bring the Liquid Magic

Pour beef or chicken broth into the slow cooker.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chili is ready when the flavors have melded and the texture becomes thick and rich.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Expert Tips For Crockpot Chili Success

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic before adding to the crockpot to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper taste layers.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling cayenne pepper amount or replacing with milder options like chili verde for sensitive palates.
• Freeze leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and providing quick future dinners.
• Add a splash of dark beer or red wine during cooking to boost complexity and create rich, robust undertones in the chili.

Flavor Variations For Crockpot Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein. Add extra beans like pinto or cannellini for protein boost.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• White Chicken Chili: Swap ground meat for shredded chicken breasts. Use white beans instead of kidney beans. Add green chiles and reduce tomato sauce for lighter consistency.
• Mediterranean Chili: Incorporate lamb instead of beef. Add Mediterranean spices like za'atar, use chickpeas, include diced eggplant. Garnish with feta cheese and fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions For Crockpot Chili

• Hearty Game Day Feast: Pile the chili into individual bread bowls for a fun, edible serving vessel that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Each guest gets their own rustic, comforting meal.
• Tex-Mex Nacho Extravaganza: Spread the chili over crispy tortilla chips, then layer with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Create a shareable platter that brings everyone together.
• Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Slice open fluffy baked potatoes and generously ladle the warm chili over the top. Sprinkle with green onions and extra cheese for a satisfying, filling meal that combines two comfort food classics.

How To Store Crockpot Chili Correctly

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to preserve flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if the chili seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe allows you to control heat. Skip cayenne pepper for mild chili, or add more for extra spiciness. Adjust according to your preference.

• Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely! This chili freezes perfectly. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can make this chili on stovetop. Simmer ingredients in a large pot on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chili brings robust flavors from slow-simmered beef, beans, and spices. Warm comfort awaits when you ladle this rich, satisfying meal into bowls for a delightful dinner experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if not using lean meat)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat if using non-lean varieties.
2. Transfer meat to crockpot and add chopped onions, diced green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
3. Pour in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
5. Pour beef or chicken broth into the crockpot and gently stir to integrate all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Secure crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili reaches desired thickness.
7. Once cooking is complete, ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from meat to reduce overall greasiness and create a leaner chili dish.
• Try different bean varieties like pinto or white beans for unique texture and flavor profiles.
• Consider adding a small amount of dark chocolate or coffee for deeper, more complex umami undertones.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles as healthier, lower-fat alternatives to traditional ground beef.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg