Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare and can simmer throughout the day, filling your home with warm, inviting aromas. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner with family, this chili will be the standout dish everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful Blend: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that warms you from the inside out.
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein and fiber, this chili is both filling and nutritious—perfect for health-conscious diners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is, over rice, or with cornbread for a complete meal that pleases everyone.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With enough servings to feed a group, it’s an excellent choice for gatherings and potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this delicious crockpot chili, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the heart of your chili-making process. It allows flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks.
- Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker ensures maximum flavor.
- Knife & cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
Ingredients
For this delightful Crock Pot Chili Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Vegetables
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
Oils & Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
Beans & Tomatoes
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the diced onion, green peppers, and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook until almost browned.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the meat while it’s cooking.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Once the meat is cooked through:
Transfer it to your slow cooker along with all remaining ingredients.
Stir well to combine all flavors.
Step 5: Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker to low heat.
Allow it to cook for approximately 4 hours.
Enjoy your hearty bowl of crockpot chili! This recipe offers comfort food at its best.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Crock Pot Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want it as a standalone meal or paired with sides, there are numerous options to enhance your dining experience.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese on top gives extra flavor and texture.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a crunchy finish and vibrant color.
In a Bread Bowl
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread roll to serve your chili for a fun and edible bowl.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Rice: Serve chili over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, quinoa is a great protein-packed base.
As Nachos
- Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and toppings for an exciting snack or appetizer.
With Crackers or Cornbread
- Crackers: Crisp crackers can provide a satisfying crunch alongside your chili.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the flavors beautifully.
In Tacos
- Chili Tacos: Use the chili as a filling for soft or hard taco shells, topped with your favorite ingredients.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
To make sure your crock pot chili turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor significantly.
- Brown the Meat: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors.
- Adjust Spiciness: Customize heat levels by using mild or hot chili powder based on personal preference.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the chili to rest for about 30 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Taste Before Serving: Check seasoning and adjust salt or spices as needed just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Crock Pot Chili pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is ideal for scooping up chili.
- Garlic Bread: The crispy exterior and soft interior of garlic bread make it perfect for dipping.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the chili’s juices well while adding texture.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a crisp contrast to the hearty chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a filling twist on classic toppings.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a refreshing balance to spicy chili.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for scooping up every last bite of chili.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies serve as a healthy side that pairs nicely with rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your delicious crock pot chili, it’s easy to fall into some common traps. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing the vegetables can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always sauté onions, peppers, and garlic first to enhance their taste.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients can hinder cooking. Stick to the recipe for the best texture and flavor.
- Ignoring Spice Adjustments: Different palates enjoy different spice levels. Taste as you go and adjust chili powder or cumin according to your preference.
- Neglecting Quality Meat: Using lower-quality ground beef can affect texture and flavor. Opt for 80/20 or better for a rich, meaty taste.
- Not Letting it Rest: Serving chili immediately can miss out on flavor development. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this crock pot chili recipe, here are some common questions and answers.
How long does it take to cook the Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
The total cook time is about 4 hours on low heat, which allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I customize my Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like corn or zucchini or substitute beans based on your preference.
What should I serve with my Crock Pot Chili?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or even tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
Is this Crock Pot Chili Recipe healthy?
Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from the beef and beans while being relatively low in carbs and calories per serving.
Final Thoughts
This crock pot chili recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for cozy dinners. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize based on your tastes. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crock Pot Chili Recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty meal is packed with protein and rich flavors that will warm your soul. With minimal prep time, simply gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Ideal for game day gatherings or cozy family dinners, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings or serve it alongside rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal experience. Discover why this simple recipe has become a beloved classic!
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the vegetables in olive oil for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until almost browned; stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker with all remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for approximately 4 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
