Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or chilly evenings, this slow cooker delight combines lean ground beef, hearty beans, and a homemade chili spice blend that will impress every guest. It’s easy to prepare and offers deep flavors that develop beautifully as it cooks throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply brown the meat, add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking results in a rich, savory chili that’s full of depth.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for cozy family dinners or feeding a crowd during parties.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Crockpot Chili recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep a breeze while enhancing flavors over hours.
- Large Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for browning meat without sticking. This ensures even cooking and makes cleanup easier.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife helps you chop onions and garlic quickly and safely for your chili base.
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.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
– 1 small yellow or white onion (diced)
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 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 (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 2 pounds of lean ground beef with 1 small yellow or white onion over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, add in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to toast the garlic.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Remove the meat mixture from heat. If necessary, drain off any excess grease. Add the browned meat to the base of your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to the 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.
Step 4: Cook Your Chili
Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until everything is tender.
Step 5: Serve Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Crockpot Chili with optional toppings such as cheese, sour cream, chips, or cornbread to enhance the experience.
How to Serve Crockpot Chili
Crockpot Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it on its own or with a variety of toppings, there are numerous options to elevate your chili experience.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese – A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and a savory touch.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and enhances flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado complements the spices and adds healthy fats.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the spiciness of chili for a comforting meal.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips are great for scooping up chili and add an enjoyable texture.
- Rice – Serving chili over rice makes it more filling and helps soak up the flavors.
- Salad – A fresh garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
How to Perfect Crockpot Chili
Perfecting your crockpot chili may take some practice, but these tips will help you achieve a delicious result every time.
- Use Quality Meat – Opt for lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken for better texture and flavor.
- Brown Your Meat – Browning the meat beforehand adds depth to the overall taste of your chili.
- Don’t Skip the Spices – Homemade chili seasoning gives your dish unique flavors that enhance every bite.
- Add Beans Wisely – Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and improves overall flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in richer taste.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chili
Pairing sides with your crockpot chili can create an even more satisfying meal. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement this hearty recipe.
- Garlic Bread – A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into savory chili broth.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the soft textures of chili.
- Baked Potatoes – Top baked potatoes with chili instead of traditional toppings for a hearty twist.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The gooey goodness of grilled cheese makes it an ideal companion to spicy chili.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – This salad brings brightness and sweetness that balances out the chili’s heat.
- Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed peppers filled with grains or veggies serve as a colorful side that pairs well with chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Chili can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish is a hit.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; take your time to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Overloading with beans: While beans are essential, too many can overwhelm the chili. Follow the recipe’s bean measurements for balanced flavors and textures.
- Neglecting seasoning: Chili needs a good mix of spices. Be sure to measure your chili seasoning carefully and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: The longer you let your chili cook, the better the flavors meld together. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal taste.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Fresh ingredients make a difference. Use fresh garlic and quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor in your Crockpot Chili.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Crockpot Chili
- Place in freezer-safe containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Chili.
What can I add to my Crockpot Chili for extra flavor?
You can add bell peppers, corn, or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Experiment with different vegetables to customize your chili.
How do I thicken my Crockpot Chili?
To thicken your chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water during cooking.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative in this Crockpot Chili recipe while still delivering excellent flavor.
How do I know when my Crockpot Chili is done?
Your chili is ready when all ingredients are heated through and flavors have melded nicely. If you’ve cooked it on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, it’s usually perfect!
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chili recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it with various beans, vegetables, or spices according to your preference. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely impress everyone. Give it a try and enjoy the warm comfort of homemade chili!
Crockpot Chili
- Total Time: 44 minute
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Crockpot Chili is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for anyone seeking a hearty and flavorful meal without the fuss. This slow cooker favorite combines lean ground beef, a variety of beans, and a rich blend of spices, simmering all day to create deep, savory flavors. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish offers versatility with endless topping options like cheese and avocado. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—make a large batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting friends on game day or just warming up on a chilly evening, this chili will satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small yellow or white onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 2 (15.5 oz) cans kidney beans (dark and light; rinsed and drained)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large non-stick skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Add garlic for an additional minute.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and both types of beans. Stir well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours until everything is tender.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider including bell peppers or corn. To thicken your chili, mash some beans against the pot's side or mix in cornstarch dissolved in water.
