Picture a chilly evening with the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your home.
There’s something about a hearty bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug.
This crockpot chili is incredibly easy to make and delivers a cozy, indulgent meal that quickly becomes a favorite.
As the simple ingredients meld together over hours, a rich, flavorful transformation takes place.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking this chili recipe using a crockpot, follow this timeline:
Timeline for Chili Recipe (Crockpot)
Preparation Phase
- Reading & Ingredient Gathering: 5 minutes
- Read through the entire recipe.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment needed (Crockpot, cutting board, knife, skillet, wooden spoon).
- Preparation of Ingredients: 10 minutes
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Open and drain the cans of kidney beans and black beans.
- Measure out spices and other ingredients.
Cooking Phase
- Cooking Ground Beef: 10 minutes
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat and transfer beef to the crockpot.
- Assembling in Crockpot: 5 minutes
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and mix well.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Cooking in Crockpot: 6 hours
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
Final Phase
- Resting Phase: 10 minutes
- Once cooked, let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Additional Tips
- For enhanced flavor, you can prepare the chili a day in advance.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Consider garnishing with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
Drain excess fat from the beef and transfer it to the crockpot.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
Pour in beef broth and mix well.
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Stir all ingredients to combine evenly.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
Once cooked, let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Cornbread: A classic side that complements the hearty chili with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture.
- Rice: Serving chili over a bed of fluffy rice can make the meal even more filling and absorbing.
- Tortilla Chips: Use them for a crunchy contrast and as a scoop for enjoying the chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon chili over a baked potato for a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad on the side can provide a revitalizing contrast to the warm, spicy chili.
Storage
To store leftover chili, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze leftover chili, let it cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags, and label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat chili, transfer it to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in a covered dish, stirring every minute until hot.
Final Thoughts
Making chili in a crockpot is an easy and delicious way to prepare a comforting meal.
The key to a flavorful chili is allowing it to cook slowly so that all the ingredients meld together.
Using a combination of ground beef, beans, and spices, this recipe offers a hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
For the best results, consider preparing the chili a day ahead.
This allows the flavors to develop further, making it even more delicious the next day.
Don’t forget to customize the spice level to your preference by adjusting the cayenne pepper.
Enjoy your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef in This Chili Recipe?
Yes, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey in this recipe. It’ll offer a lighter, leaner option while still delivering delicious flavor. Just make certain you brown the turkey well to enhance its taste before adding it.
What Are Some Vegetarian Alternatives to Meat for This Chili?
You can swap the meat for hearty options like chopped mushrooms, diced eggplant, or crumbled tofu. These alternatives soak up flavors beautifully, maintaining that rich, satisfying texture while keeping the dish entirely vegetarian. Enjoy experimenting!
How Can I Make This Chili Spicier Without Adding More Cayenne Pepper?
Boost your chili’s heat by adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also throw in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra fiery kick. Experiment to taste!
Can I Cook This Chili on High for a Shorter Time in the Crockpot?
You can absolutely cook the chili on high for a shorter time, about 3 to 4 hours. Just guarantee everything’s combined well and check occasionally to maintain the right consistency and flavor development. Enjoy your spicy creation!
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Crockpot Chili?
You’ve got plenty of delicious options for chili sides! Consider serving cornbread, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips. For something heartier, try baked potatoes or rice. Complement your meal with a dollop of sour cream.
Chili Recipe Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and transfer it to the crockpot.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth and mix well.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
- Once cooked, let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
