Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is the perfect dish for cozy gatherings, busy weekdays, or simply when you’re craving hearty comfort food. This slow cooker recipe combines lean ground beef, beans, and a homemade chili blend to create a robust flavor that develops beautifully over hours of cooking. Ideal for serving at parties, family dinners, or game day, this Crockpot Chili is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just brown the meat and toss everything in the crockpot. Let it do the work while you unwind!
• Flavorful Results: The long cooking time allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and savory dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread to suit everyone’s taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—perfect for lunches or quick dinners!
• Family-Approved: A hit with both kids and adults alike; it’s a comforting meal everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes all the difference!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large non-stick skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking that maximizes flavor.
• Large Non-Stick Skillet: Perfect for browning meat without sticking, ensuring even cooking and easy clean-up.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for efficient chopping and dicing, making prep work quicker.

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 Base

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

For the Sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (see note)
• 2 tablespoons chili seasoning (see note for recipe)

For the 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, brown the 2 pounds of lean ground beef along with 1 small yellow onion (minced) over medium-high heat. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks until fully browned.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the meat is cooked through, add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook this mixture for another minute to toast the garlic slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Slow Cooker

Remove the skillet from heat. If necessary, drain any excess grease from the meat mixture. Transfer everything into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the following to your slow cooker:
– 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 (drained and rinsed)
– 1 (15.5 oz) can light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, serve hot alongside cheese, sour cream, chips, cornbread, or any of your favorite toppings! Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, there are plenty of serving ideas to elevate your meal.

Top It Off

• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado gives a fresh, creamy texture that complements the chili perfectly.

Pair with Crunchy Items

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping and added texture.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread makes an excellent side, perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Crackers: Simple saltines or seasoned crackers can add crunch and flavor.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a nice pop of color.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chili

Creating the perfect Crockpot Chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Use fresh spices or homemade chili seasoning for deeper flavors.
• Layer ingredients: Browning the meat first adds complexity; layer flavors by adding ingredients in stages.
• Adjust thickness: If too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, let it cook uncovered for a while to thicken.
• Let it rest: Allowing your chili to sit for a few hours after cooking helps meld flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chili

Complement your Crockpot Chili with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili’s richness. Consider serving it warm with butter.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a great base for chili—simply spoon the chili over it.
3. Salad: A crisp garden salad adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the chili; consider adding avocado or nuts.
4. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a comforting twist on traditional chili servings.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide color and nutrients that complement your meal nicely.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up chili while adding delightful flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Chili, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Bold Choice of Meat: Using fatty cuts of meat can lead to greasy chili. Opt for lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
• Bold Overcooking the Ingredients: Cooking on high for too long can result in mushy beans and loss of flavor. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your chili before serving can lead to blandness. Always adjust spices and seasonings according to your preference.
• Bold Skipping Rinsing Beans: Canned beans often have excess sodium and starch. Rinse them thoroughly to improve taste and texture.
• Bold Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale spices or old ingredients can diminish flavor. Always check freshness before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Crockpot Chili in airtight containers.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Chili

• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chili

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Chili:

Can I use other beans in my Crockpot Chili?

Yes, you can substitute or add other beans like black beans or pinto beans according to your taste.

How spicy is this Crockpot Chili recipe?

The spice level depends on the chili seasoning you use. Adjust it based on your preference for heat.

Can I make this Crockpot Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meat with extra beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Chili?

Popular toppings include cheese, sour cream, scallions, and avocado. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chili is not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the heat level. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!

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

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Description

Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings or busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. This easy slow cooker recipe combines lean ground beef with a medley of beans and a robust homemade chili blend, simmering to perfection over hours. It’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, from creamy avocado to crunchy tortilla chips, making it a versatile dish that can adapt to everyone’s taste. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly—make a big batch and savor the leftovers throughout the week!

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. In a large non-stick skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker, then add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning.
4. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until flavors meld together beautifully.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg