Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Incredibly flavorful, full of protein, and very filling, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or any gathering. With its rich taste and hearty ingredients, it stands out as a go-to comfort food that everyone will love. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your company!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Oils
• Proteins
• Spices
• Beans and Tomatoes
• How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
• Step 5: Cook on Low
• How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• With Toppings
• In a Bread Bowl
• As Chili Nachos
• With Cornbread
• Over Rice
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this Crock Pot Chili Recipe vegetarian?
• How long should I cook the chili?
• Can I add other beans?
• Is this recipe spicy?
• What can I serve with my Crock Pot Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just chop some veggies and let the crockpot do all the work.
• Flavor Packed: A blend of spices ensures every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into our delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. The following kitchen essentials will help you create this tasty chili effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for infusing flavors while cooking your chili low and slow.
• Large pan: Perfect for browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for prepping all your ingredients.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic

Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)

Proteins

• 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)

Spices

• 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon salt

Beans and Tomatoes

• 15.5 ounces kidney beans
• 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
• 29 ounces diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces tomato sauce

How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Make sure they are evenly chopped for consistent flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced vegetables and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it is almost browned, stirring occasionally.
2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the chili powder over the meat. Continue cooking until fully browned.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients including beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Cook on Low

1. Set your slow cooker on low heat and let it cook for about 4 hours.
2. Stir occasionally if possible to allow flavors to blend beautifully.

This Crock Pot Chili Recipe not only fills you up but also warms you from within on chilly nights! Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Crock Pot Chili is not just a meal; it’s a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your chili experience.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the spice in the chili.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a nice crunch and vibrant color.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out some crusty bread rolls to serve your chili in; it makes for an enjoyable eating experience and minimizes dishes!

As Chili Nachos

• Chili Nachos: Layer nacho chips with crock pot chili, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for an irresistible snack.

With Cornbread

• Cornbread Muffins: Serve warm cornbread muffins on the side to soak up all the delicious flavors of the chili.

Over Rice

• Rice Bowl: Spoon your chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal that fills you up.

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How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe

To make your crock pot chili even better, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for 80/20 ground beef as it provides the perfect balance of flavor and fat.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh vegetables like onions and bell peppers for maximum flavor impact.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Cooking on low for longer enhances flavors; consider extending the cooking time if possible.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Add More Beans: For extra protein and fiber, consider adding different types of beans alongside kidney beans.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your crock pot chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: A classic companion, cornbread’s sweetness complements the spice of the chili perfectly.
2. Rice: White or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs flavors from the chili.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and freshness to each bite of spicy chili.
4. Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to hearty chili.
5. Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a comforting twist on traditional baked potatoes.
6. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for scooping up chili, adding texture to your meal.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the dish, providing balance.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Pairing grilled cheese sandwiches with chili creates a nostalgic comfort food experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Crock Pot Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Many people skip sautéing the onion, garlic, and peppers. This step enhances their flavors, making your chili more delicious.
• Overloading on Spices: It’s tempting to add extra spices, but too much can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced flavor.
• Not Using Enough Liquid: If you don’t add enough liquid, the chili may dry out during cooking. Ensure you have enough tomatoes and sauces for moisture.
• Ignoring Cook Time: Cooking times are crucial for flavor development. Don’t rush it; allow your chili to cook fully for the best taste.
• Using Low-Quality Meat: The type of ground beef you use can change the chili’s richness. Choose good quality meat for better results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this crock pot chili recipe.

Can I make this Crock Pot Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty vegetarian version.

How long should I cook the chili?

Cook on low for about 4 hours. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I add other beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is mildly spicy due to chili powder. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

What can I serve with my Crock Pot Chili?

Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different beans or spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!