Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up on chilly days and satisfies your hunger with hearty flavors. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners, this recipe stands out thanks to its rich blend of spices and tender meat. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still delivering a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This crockpot chili requires minimal effort. Just brown the meat, mix in the ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of lean beef, beans, and a homemade chili spice blend creates a robust flavor profile that is sure to please.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own or with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread for a customizable experience.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields enough servings to last throughout the week, making it great for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet savory taste, this chili appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Chili efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth cooking and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. It provides a low-and-slow cooking environment perfect for chili.
• Large non-stick skillet: Ideal for browning meat without sticking. It helps develop rich flavors before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

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 Meat Base

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

For the Chili Base

• 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 over medium-high heat:
1. Brown 2 pounds of lean ground beef with 1 small yellow or white onion until fully cooked.
2. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Once browned, add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Remove the meat mixture from heat and drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture into the base of your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add 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
– 1 (15.5 oz) can light red kidney beans

Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Cook Your Chili

Place the lid on your slow cooker:
– Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until all flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve

Dish out your hearty Crockpot Chili into bowls and serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, chips, or cornbread as desired!

How to Serve Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a hearty meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your chili experience.

With Toppings

• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can help balance the spice and add a rich texture.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and bright flavor contrast.

As a Dip

• Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with warm crockpot chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Pour hot chili over crispy fries and top with melted cheese for an indulgent treat.

In a Bowl

• Classic Serving: Simply ladle the chili into bowls and serve with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use cooked bell peppers as bowls filled with chili for an attractive presentation.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chili

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Chili requires some attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh spices in your chili seasoning mix for a more robust flavor profile.
• Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to deepen their flavors.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allow your chili to simmer on low for 8-10 hours; this helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving; you might want to add more seasoning or heat based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chili can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs perfectly with spicy chili, soaking up extra broth.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips offer a delightful contrast to the smooth texture of the chili.
3. Rice: Serving chili over rice adds heartiness and makes it more filling.
4. Salad: A fresh green salad can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chili.
5. Stuffed Breadsticks: Cheesy stuffed breadsticks are great for dipping into your bowl of chili.
6. Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw offers a nice textural contrast while cutting through the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Crockpot Chili, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold Flavorless Beans: Using canned beans without rinsing can lead to a bland chili. Always rinse and drain your beans to enhance the flavor.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking your chili for too long can make it mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal texture.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping or skimping on the chili seasoning can result in a dull dish. Use a balanced blend of spices for a robust taste.
• Bold Skipping Browning Meat: Not browning the meat first can lead to less depth of flavor. Always brown your meat for richer taste before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Bold Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Using low-quality canned tomatoes can impact the overall flavor. Opt for high-quality crushed and diced tomatoes for a better base.
• Bold Forgetting About Toppings: Neglecting toppings like cheese or sour cream can leave your chili one-dimensional. Enhance flavors with delicious garnishes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Chili in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chili

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chili

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Chili.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in Crockpot Chili?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. It will still be delicious!

How do I make Crockpot Chili spicier?

To add heat, include chopped jalapeños or additional chili powder to your mix. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

What should I serve with Crockpot Chili?

Crockpot Chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chili on low?

Cooking on low typically takes about 8-10 hours. This slow cooking allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various beans, vegetables, or spices according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Chili is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings. This hearty dish combines lean ground beef with rich beans and a homemade spice blend, offering a robust flavor profile that will warm your soul on chilly days. With minimal preparation time, you can simply brown the meat, toss in fresh ingredients, and let your slow cooker work its magic. Whether served with toppings like cheese and sour cream or enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, this chili is versatile enough to please everyone at the table. And the best part? It’s perfect for meal prep, yielding plenty of servings to enjoy throughout the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 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)

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Instructions

1. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and both types of kidney beans until well combined.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until all flavors meld together.
4. Serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cornbread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg