Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? This crockpot chili recipe is your answer! Dump in the ingredients, set it, and forget it – hours later, you’ll have a flavorful, comforting chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
What is Crockpot Chili?
Ever wondered how chili could be so effortlessly delicious? Is it the magic of a slow cooker gently coaxing out deep, rich flavors? Or maybe it’s the simplicity of tossing everything in and walking away? And why the name? Did a chili-loving crockpot invent it? Did someone drop their entire spice rack into a slow cooker by accident and strike gold? Well, probably not! But this recipe is perfect when you don’t have a lot of time but want a very flavorful meal.
While there’s no confirmed story behind the name “Crockpot Chili,” one thing’s for sure: it delivers on its promise of fuss-free deliciousness and “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. If you’re looking for a recipe that fits this description, start by trying this crockpot chili recipe tonight! So, grab your crockpot and let’s make some chili!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chili:
This Crockpot Chili is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a rich, complex dish you’ll find incredibly rewarding to eat. Also, making chili at home can save you money compared to ordering takeout or buying pre-made versions. Plus, you get to control the ingredients!
Imagine spooning into a bowl of chili brimming with tender beef, hearty beans, and a melody of spices, topped with cool sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! It’s easier to whip up than, say, a complex Beef Bourguignon, with this crockpot chili recipe you are good to go. So, give it a try and taste the difference!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chili:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing chili. Visual guide below:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean ground beef works best)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium (any color), chopped
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 ounces (undrained)
- Canned Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces
- Canned Kidney Beans: 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- Canned Black Beans: 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- Chili Powder: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Cumin: 2 teaspoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (low sodium)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, minced (for extra heat)
- Optional: toppings like sour cream, cheese, green onions, cilantro.
How to Make Crockpot Chili:
Prepare to be amazed by how simple and satisfying this crockpot chili recipe is. Just a little prep work and then the slow cooker handles the rest! This chili is packed with flavor. Expect about 10 -15 minutes of prep time, followed by a few hours of cooking time in the crockpot.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess grease. This step is important to give your chili a rich flavour.
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional): If you prefer a softer texture for your vegetables, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in the same skillet for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. This step is optional but adds extra depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned ground beef (and sautéed vegetables, if using) to your crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, beef broth, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the crockpot.
- Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Taste and Adjust: After the cooking time is complete, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder for a richer flavor, salt and pepper to taste, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
What to Serve Crockpot Chili With
Crockpot chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Sweet cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly. If you want spice, add jalapeanos.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping or crumbling over the top.
- Toppings Bar: Create a toppings bar with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, green onions, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A grown-up version of dipping a grilled cheese in tomato soup!
- Cinnamon rolls: While this may seem unconventional, a warm cinnamon roll can really enhance the flavor profile of the chili.
- Beer: A cold, refreshing beer like a light lager pairs perfectly with chili and cuts through the richness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chili:
Here are some tips to help you make the best crockpot chili recipe ever:
- Don’t Skip the Browning Step: While it’s tempting to skip browning the beef to save time, it really does make a difference in the depth of flavor.
- Spice it Up or Tone it Down: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño to suit your taste. For a milder chili, use less chili powder or omit the jalapeño. For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your chili. Use lean ground beef, fresh onions and peppers, and good quality canned tomatoes and beans.
- Thicken if Needed: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Longer Cooking Time = More Flavor: The longer you cook the chili in the crockpot, the more the flavors are able to meld together and deepen. If you have the time, cook it on low for 8 hours for the best results.
- Beans: If possible, dried beans are better than canned. However, make sure you soak them until they are almost cooked.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers as the chili will expand as it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions of chili in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Crockpot: You can also reheat the chili in the crockpot on low heat. This is a great option if you want to keep it warm for a party or potluck.
Final Thoughts:
This crockpot chili recipe is a true crowd-pleaser because it is easy to make, delicious to eat, and requires very little hands-on time. With just a few simple ingredients and a crockpot, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that your family and friends will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and enjoy! You can also try adding various ingredients for a more personalised taste.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Leaner meats may require a bit more oil or broth to prevent the chili from drying out.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to the chili. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
A: Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or other vegetables like corn or sweet potatoes.
Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on the size of your crockpot. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
A: Don’t worry if you’re missing a spice or two. Just use what you have on hand and adjust the amounts to taste. Chili powder and cumin are the most essential spices for chili, so make sure you have those.
Q: My chili is too spicy! What can I do?
A: If your chili is too spicy, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl to help cool it down. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest