Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is the perfect dish for warming up during those chilly winter nights. This hearty chili combines the rich flavors of beef, spices, and creamy queso to create a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners, this recipe stands out with its bold flavors and simple preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and ingredients delivers a robust taste that will satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as-is, or customize with toppings like avocado and Greek yogurt to match your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, it allows for slow cooking that melds all flavors perfectly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 pounds ground beef (or use ground chicken or ground turkey)
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped

For the Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Saucy Goodness

• 1 can (28 ounce) crushed fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounce) tomato paste
• 1 can (4 ounce) diced green chilies
• 1/3 cup hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons salted butter

For Cooking

• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth

For Creamy Texture

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Beans and Toppings

• 1 can mixed chili beans, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Avocado and Greek yogurt, for serving

How to Make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the onions and poblanos. Measure out all your spices to keep things organized.

Step 2: Brown the Meat (Optional)

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat before adding it to the crockpot.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Add the browned meat along with onions, poblanos, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, green chilies, hot sauce, butter, bay leaves, salt, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for about 120 minutes. Stir occasionally if possible.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

After cooking time is complete, stir in cream cheese until melted. Then add shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt as desired.

Enjoy your warming bowl of Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili!

How to Serve Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Serving Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is as fun as making it! This hearty dish can be customized with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor to the chili.
• Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a mild onion flavor and crunch.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a cool, creamy contrast.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for scooping up chili and toppings.
• Beef Broth Bread: Use this savory bread to soak up every bit of delicious broth in your bowl.

How to Perfect Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

To make your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili even better, consider the following tips. These suggestions will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose high-quality ground beef or chicken for richer flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your heat preference.
• Mix Cheeses: Combine cheddar with pepper jack for an extra cheesy kick.
• Cook Longer for Flavor: Letting the chili cook longer in the crockpot can deepen the flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Pairing side dishes with your chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that work well alongside Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a classic companion that balances out spicy flavors.
2. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter offers a satisfying crunch and buttery goodness.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds substance to your meal without overpowering it.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with warm chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring a smoky flavor that complements the spicy notes in the chili.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be filled with additional ingredients like beans or peppers for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using too much liquid – While broth is essential, adding too much can make your chili soupy. Stick to the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
• Neglecting spice adjustments – Everyone’s taste is different. Start with less spice and add more as it cooks to find your perfect flavor balance.
• Skipping the browning step – Browning your beef enhances flavor. Take a few extra minutes to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.
• Overcooking the cheese – Adding cream cheese or cheddar too early can lead to a grainy texture. Stir in cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking for creamy perfection.
• Ignoring the toppings – Toppings like fresh cilantro and avocado elevate your chili. Don’t skip them; they add freshness and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in a baking dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short increments, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding our delicious Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili.

What makes this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili different?

This chili combines spicy flavors with creamy queso for a unique twist on traditional chili that warms you up on cold days.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and maintains delicious flavors while being a lighter option.

How spicy is this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce used. Taste as you go!

What toppings go well with this chili?

Toppings like chopped avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and green onions complement the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it with various proteins or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy evenings or feeding a crowd!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, combining tender beef, vibrant spices, and creamy queso into a deliciously satisfying dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. With a rich flavor profile and customizable toppings like fresh cilantro and creamy avocado, this chili offers something for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this hearty chili will warm your heart and fill your belly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz)
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2–3 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• 1 can mixed chili beans, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Avocado and Greek yogurt, for serving

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Instructions

1. Chop onions and poblanos; measure out spices.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet (optional) and add to the crockpot.
3. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot: meat, vegetables, tomatoes, chilies, cheese, broth, spices.
4. Cook on low for about 120 minutes. Stir occasionally if possible.
5. Stir in cream cheese until melted; then mix in cheddar cheese until incorporated.
6. Serve hot with desired toppings like cilantro and avocado.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg