This Easy Crockpot Chili is perfect for those busy nights when you want a delicious meal without much effort. Just toss everything in the crockpot, and you’ll have a hearty chili waiting for you by dinnertime. It’s not only flavorful and satisfying but also versatile enough to suit any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chili Base
- For Garnish
- How to Make Easy Crockpot Chili
- Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Step 2: Add the Ingredients
- Step 3: Cook
- Step 4: Serve
- How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chili
- Classic Toppings
- Creative Additions
- Chili Bowls
- How to Perfect Easy Crockpot Chili
- Best Side Dishes for Easy Crockpot Chili
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easy Crockpot Chili
- Reheating Easy Crockpot Chili
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different meats in Easy Crockpot Chili?
- How can I make this chili vegetarian?
- What toppings go well with Easy Crockpot Chili?
- Can I adjust the spice level in Easy Crockpot Chili?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Simply brown the meat, add ingredients, and let the crockpot do the work.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and beans creates a rich and hearty flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile toppings: Customize each bowl with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added delight.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for up to three months—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy option: Loaded with protein and fiber from beans, this chili is both filling and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier. For this Easy Crockpot Chili, you’ll need just a few essentials to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Crockpot: This is where the magic happens! It slowly cooks your chili to perfection while you go about your day.
- Skillet: Browning the beef in a skillet enhances its flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for prepping ingredients quickly and safely.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and grease drained
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark kidney beans, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 2 cups water
For Garnish
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Corn chips
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chili
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any grease before transferring it to your crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
To the crockpot, add the following:
1. The drained kidney beans
2. The tomato sauce
3. The diced tomatoes
4. The chili seasoning
5. The water
Stir everything until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Cook
Set your crockpot to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Let it cook undisturbed so all flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or corn chips for extra flavor and crunch!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chili
Serving Easy Crockpot Chili can be a delightful experience. This hearty dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it suitable for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.
Classic Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Add a generous handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy finish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and balances the spice.
- Corn Chips: Crushed corn chips provide a crunchy texture that complements the chili.
Creative Additions
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats to your bowl.
- Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños bring extra spice and flavor.
Chili Bowls
- Chili Over Rice: Serve your chili over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
- Chili on Nachos: Create nachos by layering tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and toppings for a fun snack.
How to Perfect Easy Crockpot Chili
Perfecting your Easy Crockpot Chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure every pot is delicious.
- Bold Spices: Use fresh spices or add extra chili powder to enhance the flavor profile.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and beans for better taste.
- Longer Cooking Time: For deeper flavors, let it cook longer on LOW rather than rushing it on HIGH.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and seasoning throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with Variations: Try adding ingredients like bell peppers or corn for variety.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving; this helps flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crockpot Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Crockpot Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up chili goodness.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a light contrast to the hearty chili.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad offers a refreshing crunch alongside the warm chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The melty cheese pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add an unexpected twist to your meal.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a comforting twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crockpot Chili, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the browning step: Always brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. This adds depth of flavor.
- Not draining beans properly: Make sure to drain your canned beans well. Excess liquid can make your chili watery.
- Overcooking: If you’re using the LOW setting, stick to 6-7 hours. Overcooking can result in mushy beans and meat.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your chili before serving. You might want to add salt or spice for more flavor.
- Using the wrong type of tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes without added flavors. They work best in this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Easy Crockpot Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Chili
- Portion out chili into freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Crockpot Chili
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Crockpot Chili that may help you in preparing this dish.
Can I use different meats in Easy Crockpot Chili?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with additional beans and vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
What toppings go well with Easy Crockpot Chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and avocado for added flavor.
Can I adjust the spice level in Easy Crockpot Chili?
Absolutely! You can add more chili seasoning or diced jalapeños to increase the heat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or ingredients based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s perfect for any busy evening!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintEasy Crockpot Chili
Savor the warmth of our Easy Crockpot Chili, a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. This dish is designed for busy evenings when you crave a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Just throw in your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks. With the balance of protein-rich ground beef, hearty beans, and zesty spices, this chili becomes a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Serve it with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable experience!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW) / 4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark kidney beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain grease.
- Transfer cooked beef to the crockpot and add kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and water. Stir well.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid.
- Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or corn chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
