Is there anything better than coming home to a dinner that’s already cooked? I don’t think so. That’s the beauty of amazing Crockpot Recipes. They do all the hard work for you.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite Crockpot Recipes For Dinner. It’s a rich and hearty ground beef chili. It simmers all day, filling your home with the most wonderful aroma. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. You just need a little bit of prep time in the morning. After that, the slow cooker takes over completely. It is one of those fantastic Slow Cook Recipes that never fails.
The low and slow cooking method makes the ground beef incredibly tender. It also allows all the spices and flavors to blend together beautifully. The result is a chili with amazing depth.
It’s also a wonderfully flexible recipe. You can adjust the spice level to your family’s liking. Plus, it makes a big batch, which is great for leftovers. We all love a good cook once eat twice meal.
This is one of the best Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner because it is so satisfying. Each spoonful is packed with savory meat, tender beans, and a rich tomato base. It is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
For The Chili Seasoning
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
For The Chili
- 2 1/2 lbs ground beef (15% fat or lower)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 large jalapenos
- 1 tbsp salt
- 30 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 32 oz pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 32 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
For The Garnish
- 4 to 6 oz grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 to 2 large jalapenos, sliced
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Seasoning And Veggies
First things first, let’s get our flavors ready. In a small bowl, add all of the chili seasoning spices. That means the chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Give them a good mix until everything is combined. This homemade blend is what makes so many Crockpot Dishes taste amazing. Next, chop up your onion, garlic, and jalapenos for the meat mixture.
Step 2: Create The Bean Paste
Here is a neat trick for a thicker chili. Take about one cup of the kidney beans and one cup of the pinto beans. Put them into a blender and blend for about two minutes. You are looking for a smooth paste.
This paste helps to thicken the chili naturally without using flour or cornstarch. It gives the final dish a great consistency. Set this bean paste aside for later. We’ll add it to the crockpot soon.
Step 3: Brown The Ground Beef
Now it’s time for the star of many Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner. Grab a large cast iron skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it brown for about five minutes.
Once it’s browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. This step is important for flavor. It keeps your final chili from being too oily. We want rich flavor, not grease.
Step 4: Season The Meat Mixture
With the grease drained, it’s time to add more flavor. Stir in about three tablespoons of your chili seasoning mix. Add two teaspoons of salt, the chopped onion, garlic, and about half of your chopped jalapenos.
Cook this all together for another two minutes. Use your spoon to chop the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. You’ll smell how good this is going to be. This is a key step for many Crockpot Recipes.
Step 5: Combine Everything In The Crockpot
It’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into your crockpot. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and the rest of the whole pinto and kidney beans.
Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients. The base for your chili is now ready. Making great Crockpot Recipes For Dinner is really this simple.
Step 6: Add The Final Touches
Now add that bean paste you made earlier. This is our thickening agent. Spoon it into the crockpot. Also, add two to three more tablespoons of the chili seasoning. Add the remaining chopped jalapenos too.
The amount of seasoning depends on how bold you like your chili. Stir everything together one last time. Make sure it’s all well combined before you start the cooking process.
Step 7: Slow Cook To Perfection
Put the lid on your crockpot. Set it to cook on low for four to six hours. Now you can walk away! Let the slow cooker do its job. This is the best part about Slow Cook Recipes.
About thirty minutes before you plan to serve, turn the heat setting to warm. This lets the flavors settle. Now you can slowly add the remaining two teaspoons of salt. Taste as you go until it’s just right for you.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any chili left over, you’re in for a treat. Leftover chili is sometimes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together. It’s one of those amazing Crockpot Dishes that keeps on giving.
To store, let the chili cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s an easy lunch for the week.
This chili also freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
Want to change things up? Try using different beans. Black beans or cannellini beans would also be delicious in this chili. It’s one of those Crockpot Recipes that you can easily customize.
If you like a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your spice blend. For extra heat, you can add a pinch more of cayenne pepper or a chopped habanero pepper.
Don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a slice of avocado can add another layer of flavor and texture. Serving this with a side of cornbread is always a good idea.
This is one of my most trusted Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner. It’s a crowd pleaser. Feel free to double the recipe if you are feeding a large group or want extra for the freezer.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and hearty chili that your slow cooker makes for you. This is why I love sharing my favorite Crockpot Recipes. They make life so much easier and more delicious.
Whether you need a reliable weeknight meal or something to warm you up on a cool day, this chili is a great choice. I hope this becomes one of your go to Slow Cook Recipes too. Enjoy every single bite!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat?
Absolutely. While this is one of my favorite Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, you could easily substitute it. Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well. You could even use a combination of meats.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
The spice level is moderate. The jalapenos and cayenne pepper add a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, you can use only one jalapeno and reduce the cayenne. You can always add more heat at the end.
Can I Make This Chili Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe to make ahead. The flavor actually deepens overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it one of the most convenient Crockpot Recipes For Dinner.
What If I Don’t Have A Cast Iron Skillet?
No problem at all. You can use any large skillet or nonstick pan to brown the ground beef. The key is to get the meat nicely browned before adding it to the crockpot. This develops the flavor for many Crockpot Dishes.
Hearty Ground Beef Chili
A simple, flavorful, and hearty chili that your slow cooker makes for you. This chili is a great choice whether you need a reliable weeknight meal or something to warm you up on a cool day.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all chili seasoning spices (chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano). Mix until combined. Chop onion, garlic, and jalapenos for the meat mixture.
- Take about one cup each of kidney beans and pinto beans. Put them into a blender and blend for about two minutes until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef for about five minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in three tablespoons of chili seasoning mix, two teaspoons of salt, the chopped onion, garlic, and half of the chopped jalapenos. Cook for another two minutes, chopping meat into smaller pieces.
- Transfer seasoned meat mixture into your crockpot. Pour in canned diced tomatoes and the rest of the whole pinto and kidney beans. Stir well.
- Add the bean paste and two to three more tablespoons of chili seasoning (to taste). Add remaining chopped jalapenos. Stir everything together.
- Put lid on crockpot. Cook on low for four to six hours. Thirty minutes before serving, turn heat to warm. Slowly add remaining two teaspoons of salt, tasting as you go.
Notes
Want to change things up? Try using different beans. Black beans or cannellini beans would also be delicious in this chili. It’s one of those Crockpot Recipes that you can easily customize.
If you like a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your spice blend. For extra heat, you can add a pinch more of cayenne pepper or a chopped habanero pepper.
Don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a slice of avocado can add another layer of flavor and texture. Serving this with a side of cornbread is always a good idea.
This is one of my most trusted Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner. It’s a crowd pleaser. Feel free to double the recipe if you are feeding a large group or want extra for the freezer.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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