There’s something truly special about a home filled with the warm, inviting aroma of a slowly simmering meal. On a chilly day or a busy weeknight, nothing beats coming home to one of the best Crock Pot Dinners. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
If you’re searching for that kind of comfort, you’ve found it. This Chili Recipe Crockpot is incredibly simple to put together. It delivers a rich, savory flavor that tastes like it took all day to prepare, but your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This is one of those fantastic Slow Cooker Meals that you can set and forget. It allows you to go about your day while it transforms simple ingredients into something amazing. The low and slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender.
It also lets all the spices meld together beautifully. This creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop in a short amount of time. Every bite is packed with a rich, savory, and slightly smoky taste that is just so satisfying.
This Easy Crock Pot Chili Slow Cooker recipe is also a crowd pleaser. It’s perfect for game day, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, making it a wonderful option for meal prepping.
Another great thing is how customizable it is. You can set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own bowl. From shredded cheese to sour cream and avocado, the possibilities are endless. It makes mealtime fun and interactive for the whole family.
Ingredients
This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. Here is what you will need to get started.
For The Chili
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat content is great)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 (15oz) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
For The Toppings
- diced avocado
- diced fresh tomatoes
- sliced green onions
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- minced cilantro
- tortilla strips or broken tortilla chips
- diced or sliced jalapeños
Step By Step Instructions
Making this delicious Chili Recipe Crockpot is so easy. Just follow these simple steps for a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 1: Sauté The Veggies
First things first, let’s build our flavor base. Grab a large skillet and add the olive oil. Heat it over medium to medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onions and bell pepper.
Cook them, stirring every so often, for about five minutes. You want them to get soft and smell wonderfully fragrant. This step is key to adding a sweet, aromatic foundation to your chili.
Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef
Now add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened veggies. Cook it for about five minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or a potato masher. Continue until the beef is no longer pink.
Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, return the beef and veggie mixture to the pan. This step ensures your chili isn’t greasy and has a rich, meaty flavor.
Step 3: Spice It Up
It’s time for the spices! Add the salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute more until you can smell it.
Toasting the spices for a minute like this really wakes them up. It helps them release their full flavor potential into the meat mixture, making your chili taste even better.
Step 4: Combine In The Crockpot
Now for the easy part. Transfer that beautifully seasoned beef mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rinsed kidney beans, and the diced green chiles.
Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s all combined. This is where all the magic of this Chili Recipe Crockpot begins. The slow cooker will take it from here!
Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection
Put the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook it on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. The low and slow method is my favorite for developing the deepest flavor, but the high setting works great if you’re short on time.
Before serving, give the chili a taste. You can add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, ladle it into bowls and let everyone go wild with their favorite toppings. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making a big batch of chili is having leftovers. This chili tastes even more flavorful the next day after the spices have had more time to mingle.
To store it, allow the chili to cool down completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s one of the most convenient Crock Pot Dinners for weekly meal prep.
If you want to store it for longer, chili freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled chili into freezer safe containers or zip top bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to make this one of the Best Chili Recipes Award Winning in your own kitchen? Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of this recipe.
First, don’t be afraid to adjust the heat. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili powder slightly.
Feel free to switch up the beans. Black beans or pinto beans are also delicious in this Chili Recipe Crockpot. You could even use a mix of all three for more texture and flavor.
If you have a little extra time, browning the beef in batches can create a better crust and more flavor. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan. A little patience at the beginning pays off in the final dish.
For a slightly thicker chili, you can leave the lid of the crockpot slightly ajar for the last hour of cooking. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a richer consistency. This is a great trick for many Slow Cooker Meals.
Conclusion
There you have it, a straightforward and delicious Chili Recipe Crockpot that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling warm and satisfied.
With its rich flavors and incredible ease of preparation, this Easy Crock Pot Chili Slow Cooker recipe is a true keeper. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness. You will be so glad you did!
FAQ
Can I Make This Chili Recipe Crockpot On The Stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can easily adapt this recipe. Just follow all the steps in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once everything is combined, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Is This Chili Gluten Free?
Yes, the chili itself is naturally gluten free. All the ingredients listed are free of gluten. Just be mindful of your toppings. For example, make sure any tortilla strips you use are certified gluten free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I Use A Different Meat?
Of course. This recipe is very flexible. Ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner alternatives. You could also use a combination of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor. Just follow the same browning process.
What Can I Serve With This Chili?
The topping possibilities are nearly endless! Besides the ones listed, this chili is fantastic served with a side of warm cornbread, over a bed of rice, or with some simple saltine crackers for dipping. A fresh green salad also makes a nice, light accompaniment.
Easy Crock Pot Chili
This chili recipe is incredibly simple to put together, delivering a rich, savory flavor that tastes like it took all day to prepare. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making the beef incredibly tender and melding spices beautifully for a satisfying depth of flavor. Great for family meals or gatherings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large skillet and add the olive oil. Heat it over medium to medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onions and bell pepper. Cook them, stirring every so often, for about five minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened veggies. Cook for about five minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or a potato masher, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute more until fragrant.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rinsed kidney beans, and the diced green chiles. Stir to combine.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Ladle into bowls and add favorite toppings.
Notes
Adjust the heat to your preference; add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce for spicier chili, or reduce chili powder slightly for a milder version.
Feel free to use black beans or pinto beans, or a mix of all three for added texture and flavor.
If you have a little extra time, browning the beef in batches can create a better crust and more flavor; just be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
For a slightly thicker chili, you can leave the crockpot lid slightly ajar for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
