Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is a perfect addition to your dinner rotation, especially on chilly evenings. It’s easy to make, and its hearty flavors make it suitable for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners at home. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your chili cooks to perfection.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices and ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with cornbread, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
- Hearty and Filling: This chili is loaded with protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal.
- Easy Leftovers: It reheats well, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this delicious crock pot chili, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is crucial for simmering your chili slowly to enhance the flavors without constant monitoring.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor development.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for quickly chopping vegetables like onion and bell pepper.
Ingredients
Incredibly flavorful, full of protein, and very filling, this crockpot chili needs to be added to your dinner rotation when it is chilly outside.
Vegetables
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
Meat
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
Canned Goods
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. This will enhance their flavors as they cook.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or other cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced vegetables for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s almost browned. While cooking, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Continue cooking until fully browned.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add in all remaining ingredients including the kidney beans, chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow it to cook for about 4 hours. This long cooking time melds all those amazing flavors together!
Enjoy this easy-to-make Crock Pot Chili Recipe that’s sure to warm you up on cold days!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Serving your Crock Pot Chili Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Consider adding a few creative touches or sides to make it even more enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Top It Off
- Cheese: Grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese melts beautifully on hot chili.
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and color.
Pair with Bread
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
- Baguette: A crusty baguette is great for scooping up all that delicious chili.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture and are fun for dipping.
Add Some Spice
- Hot Sauce: Offer various hot sauces for those who like an extra kick.
- Pickled Jalapeños: These add heat and tang, enhancing the flavor profile.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
To ensure your Crock Pot Chili Recipe turns out perfect every time, consider these essential tips.
- flavors matter: Use fresh spices for the best taste. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish.
- Layer ingredients wisely: Start with meat, then add beans and tomatoes for even cooking.
- Cook low and slow: Allowing it to simmer for several hours deepens the flavors significantly.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings before serving; sometimes a pinch of salt or dash of chili powder is all it needs.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Chili Recipe can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cornbread: This classic side adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with spicy chili.
- Rice: White or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs the chili’s rich flavors.
- Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and balances the hearty chili.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chili.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Fritos® Corn Chips: These crunchy snacks are perfect for scooping up chili and add great flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Crock Pot Chili Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the meat: Cooking the ground beef too long can lead to a dry texture. Sauté it just until nearly browned before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Skipping seasoning: Not using enough spices can result in bland chili. Make sure to follow the recipe’s spice measurements for a flavorful dish.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned tomatoes or beans can affect taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients to enhance flavor and texture.
- Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to underdeveloped flavors. Always follow the recommended cooking times for best results.
- Forgetting about leftovers: Many people overlook how well chili stores. Make sure to store any leftovers properly for future meals.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Let the chili cool completely before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy identification.
Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:
What is a Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
A Crock Pot Chili Recipe is a simple way to prepare chili using a slow cooker. It combines ingredients like ground beef, beans, and spices for a hearty meal.
Can I customize my crockpot chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables, swap out meats, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
How long does it take to cook crock pot chili?
This recipe cooks on low for about 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Is this crock pot chili spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your choice of chili powder and other seasonings. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chili Recipe is not only incredibly filling but also versatile. You can customize it easily by adding your favorite toppings or ingredients. Whether it’s a cold night or just a craving for comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy!
Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up your chilly evenings with this incredibly flavorful and hearty Crock Pot Chili Recipe. Packed with protein and a delightful blend of spices, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners at home. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and relax while it does the work for you. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. Serve it on its own, with cornbread, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. Enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week—this chili reheats beautifully!
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until almost browned. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder during cooking.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker and add all remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours to meld flavors together perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
