Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Chili is a favorite comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any table. It’s perfect for busy days, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set the timer, and go about your day. By the time you return, your home will be filled with the inviting aroma of savory chili. This recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile, letting you tweak it to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a hearty meal for your family, or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, Crockpot Chili checks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a great option for everyone.

How to Make Crockpot Chili

To create your Crockpot Chili, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and a bit of time. The process is easy, and the results are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (read how to use ground turkey)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle (read what ground chipotle is here)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (read about spice level here)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon liquid smoke (learn what liquid smoke is here)
14 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
15 ounces tomato sauce

Directions:

Prepare the Meat: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season it with salt and black pepper. Cooking until no pink remains, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes, is ideal. There’s no need to cook it completely through, as it will finish cooking in the crockpot.
Add Vegetables: Once the beef is nearly done, mix in the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients into the skillet and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften slightly.
Drain the Fat: After the beef and vegetables are cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step helps to keep the chili from becoming too greasy.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
Mix in Spices: In the slow cooker, add the chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices with the meat and veggies.
Add Other Ingredients: Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to ensure everything is well mixed.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
Serve: Once it’s done cooking, serve your Crockpot Chili hot. It pairs well with toppings like diced red onion, corn chips, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili can be served in a variety of ways. You might enjoy it on its own for a hearty meal, or you can pair it with sides. Some great serving ideas include:

Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is a classic pairing with chili.
Rice: Serve over rice for a more filling meal.
Salad: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the chili.
Toppings: Personalize your bowl with toppings like shredded cheese, avocados, or crispy tortilla strips.

How to Store Crockpot Chili

Storing your Crockpot Chili is simple and allows for easy meal prep. Here’s how to do it:

Refrigerate: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Crockpot Chili freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to label the container with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or microwave.

Tips to Make Crockpot Chili

Customize Your Meat: While ground beef is delicious, you can easily swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use meat alternatives for a vegetarian chili.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, consider adding more ground chipotle or some fresh jalapeños.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like corn, zucchini, or carrots to pack in more nutrition.
Cook Longer for Flavor: The longer you let it cook, the better the flavors will develop. If you have the time, cooking it on low for the longer period is recommended.

Variations

Crockpot Chili is versatile, and there are many ways to change it up:

White Chicken Chili: Substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and use white beans instead of kidney beans. You can also add green chilies for a twist.
Chili with Beer: Add a cup of your favorite beer to the pot for deepening the flavor. Choose a lager or ale for the best results.
Vegetarian Chili: Instead of meat, use a combination of beans (black beans, pinto beans, etc.), lentils, and assorted vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make Crockpot Chili ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chili ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker the next day and start cooking.

2. How do I thicken my chili?
If your chili turns out too thin, you can thicken it by adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it into the chili and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.

3. Can I use canned beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a convenient option. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your chili for the best results.

Crockpot Chili is an easy and adaptable dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious, hearty meal that your family will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crockpot Chili

Author: mohamadalaoui
Total Time: 495 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chili that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
14 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
15 ounces tomato sauce

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and black pepper, cooking until no pink remains (4-5 minutes).
Add diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker.
Add chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
Pour in Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir until well mixed.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Serve hot, optionally topping with diced red onion, corn chips, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Customize your chili with different meats or add more vegetables for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chili, slow cooker, comfort food, easy recipe, hearty meal