Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Incredibly flavorful and full of protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to game day gatherings. With its rich taste and hearty ingredients, this chili will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
- Flavorful & Filling: Packed with spices and protein, this chili satisfies hunger and delights the taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Great for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a comforting weeknight meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: A great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means less hassle when it comes to washing dishes afterward.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking that melds flavors beautifully over time.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board & knife: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables without mess.
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
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
Protein & Beans
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
Tomatoes & Spices
- 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
How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced vegetables and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook until almost browned, breaking it apart as you go.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the beef while cooking.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Once the meat is fully cooked, transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients (kidney beans, chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices) into the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5: Cook on Low
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for about 4 hours until flavors meld together perfectly.
With these steps followed closely, your delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe will be ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Crock Pot chili is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top for extra flavor.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Avocado: Diced avocado offers a creamy texture that complements the chili.
As a Chili Bar
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for scooping up the chili.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with chili’s rich flavors.
- Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for those who like an extra kick.
In a Bowl
- Rice: Ladle the chili over white or brown rice for added heartiness.
- Hot Dogs: Pour chili over grilled hot dogs for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
To make your crock pot chili even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality meat enhance the overall flavor.
- Brown Your Meat: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors.
- Let It Simmer Longer: For richer taste, allow the chili to cook longer than 4 hours on low if time permits.
- Adjust Spices Gradually: Start with less spice and add more as needed to suit your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your crock pot chili can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up delicious juices.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances out the spiciness of the chili.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and adds texture.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette brightens the meal and adds freshness.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a comforting, filling option.
- Nachos: Crispy nachos topped with cheese are perfect for dipping into hearty chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious crock pot chili, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the meat – If you cook the ground beef too long before adding it to the slow cooker, it may become dry. Aim for just browned meat before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Ignoring spice balance – Using too much or too little chili powder can ruin the flavor. Start with less, and taste as you go before adding more.
- Skipping the sautéing step – Sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to your chili. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Neglecting to stir – If you don’t mix the ingredients well in the slow cooker, you may end up with uneven flavors. Stir everything together thoroughly for a well-blended dish.
- Using low-quality ingredients – The quality of your meat and beans can affect the final dish. Choose fresh, high-quality products for better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chili in airtight containers.
- It can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Freeze chili in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this crock pot chili recipe.
What makes this a perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
This recipe combines flavorful ingredients like ground beef, beans, and spices to create a rich, hearty dish that is perfect for cold weather.
Can I customize my Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or even spices to make it uniquely yours. Consider adding corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.
How long does it take to cook this Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
This chili cooks on low for about 4 hours. For best results, allow it to simmer longer if your schedule allows.
Can I use other meats in this chili recipe?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef if you prefer a leaner option while still keeping it delicious.
Final Thoughts
This crock pot chili recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak ingredients based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty on a chilly night, give this recipe a try! You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to enjoy.
Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up on chilly nights with this hearty Crock Pot Chili Recipe. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. The combination of tender ground beef, savory beans, and a medley of spices creates a satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Serve it with your choice of toppings like cheese and sour cream, or elevate it to a chili bar for parties. Enjoy the comfort of homemade chili without the fuss!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the prepared vegetables in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; sprinkle with chili powder while cooking.
- Transfer cooked beef and vegetables to the slow cooker; add remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours until flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
