Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Picture yourself on a chilly evening, longing for a meal that’s both effortless and satisfying.

You’ve got your trusty crockpot, and the idea of crafting a hearty chili is enticing.

With just a sprinkle of ingredients like ground beef, beans, and vibrant veggies, you’re minutes away from setting it all to simmer.

The aroma promises to be irresistible, drawing everyone to the table. Curious about the steps to this delicious journey?

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crockpot
• 1 Skillet
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Crockpot Chili, you can follow this timeline:

1. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Gather all ingredients and equipment: Crockpot, skillet, knife, cutting board, and wooden spoon.
   • Chop the onion and bell pepper.
   • Mince the garlic.
2. Cooking (4 hours and 10 minutes total):
   • 0:00 – 0:10 (10 minutes): Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
   • 0:10 – 0:15 (5 minutes): Drain the fat from the skillet and transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
   • 0:15 – 0:25 (10 minutes): Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the crockpot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine all ingredients.
   • 0:25 – 4:25 (4 hours): Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours.
   • 4:25 – 4:35 (10 minutes): Once cooked, let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Throughout the cooking process, you can occasionally check and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you prefer a thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking.

This timeline guarantees you manage your time efficiently from preparation to serving.

Recipe

Crockpot chili is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite among many.

Preparing this dish in a crockpot not only makes it incredibly convenient but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.

This recipe combines savory ground beef with a blend of beans and spices, creating a chili that’s both flavorful and filling.

Using a crockpot allows for a slow cooking process that enhances the depth of flavors, making it ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.

By browning the beef first, you add an extra layer of flavor that complements the beans and tomatoes perfectly.

The blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper gives the chili its characteristic warmth and spice, while the beef broth guarantees a rich, savory base.

To make the crockpot chili, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.

Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the crockpot.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, then pour the beef broth over the mixture.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

For the best results, always taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

You can add more spices for additional heat or a dash of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.

If you prefer a thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.

This will give your chili a richer, more concentrated flavor.

Cooking Steps

To start your delicious crockpot chili, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef until it’s perfectly cooked through.

Once the beef is ready, transfer it to your crockpot, and that’s when the fun begins—combine the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and all the colorful veggies, making sure to mix everything well.

Don’t forget to sprinkle in the spices; they’re the magic that transforms the dish, and finally, pour the beef broth over the mixture, ensuring every bit gets a good soak.

Step 1. Brown Beef in Skillet

Sizzle your kitchen to life by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

As the beef hits the pan, a rich, savory aroma fills the air, reminding you of family gatherings and hearty meals.

Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, ensuring even cooking.

Watch as it transforms from pink to a beautiful golden brown, releasing its flavorful juices.

Remember that time you nailed the perfect sear on steak? Channel that same focus here.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the beef will steam instead of brown.

Stir occasionally, but let it sit long enough to develop a crust.

Once browned, tilt the skillet slightly, using the spoon to push the beef to one side and allow the fat to pool.

Step 2. Transfer Beef to Crockpot

With the beef perfectly browned, it’s time to transfer it to the crockpot, where all the magic happens.

Carefully scoop the sizzling beef from the skillet, letting the rich aroma fill your kitchen.

Growing up, this was always my favorite part—knowing those savory morsels were the beginning of a hearty meal.

Place the beef in the crockpot, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.

This foundation will soak up the flavors as it cooks.

Here’s a quick glance at the process:

Step	Action	Tool
1	Brown beef	Skillet
2	Drain fat	Skillet
3	Transfer beef	Wooden spoon
4	Spread evenly	In crockpot
5	Ready for next ingredients	Crockpot

Your chili is on its way to perfection!

Step 3. Combine Beans and Vegetables

The beef is nestled in the crockpot, ready to embrace the next wave of flavors.

Begin by draining and rinsing the kidney and black beans.

As you pour them in, remember that childhood camping trip when you savored your first campfire chili.

Now, add the diced tomatoes, their vivid color promising a tangy punch.

Chop a medium onion and bell pepper, letting their aromas mingle as they tumble into the pot.

Don’t forget the garlic—mince two cloves and sprinkle them over the medley, recalling your grandmother’s kitchen where garlic was magic.

Use a wooden spoon to gently fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient shares its essence.

Your crockpot is now a vibrant tapestry of beans and vegetables, ready for the next step.

Step 4. Mix in All Spices

As you gather your spices, imagine the rich tapestry of flavors they’ll weave into your chili.

The earthy aroma of cumin will transport you to your favorite family cookout, while the chili powder adds a warm, comforting depth.

Sprinkle in the salt, letting it enhance each ingredient, and don’t forget the black pepper, its subtle kick reminiscent of late-night chili feasts.

A whisper of cayenne pepper lends a fiery note, perfect for those who crave a bit of heat.

With your spices ready, sprinkle them over the colorful medley of beans, tomatoes, and veggies in your crockpot.

Use your wooden spoon to gently stir, ensuring each spice is evenly distributed.

You’re not just mixing ingredients; you’re crafting a memory.

Step 5. Add Beef Broth Thoroughly

Imagine the anticipation as you stand before your crockpot, a colorful array of ingredients already inviting you with their promise of warmth and flavor.

It’s time to pour in the beef broth—a vital step that melds everything together into a harmonious chili symphony.

As you slowly drizzle the broth, notice how it cascades over the beans and beef, seeping into every crevice.

This liquid gold will transform your mixture, infusing it with depth and richness.

Don’t rush this part. Stir gently with your wooden spoon, ensuring the broth integrates evenly.

I remember my first time making chili; I was hesitant, but as the broth blended perfectly, I knew I was creating something magical.

With each stir, you’re building a foundation of flavor.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful chili.
• Steamed Rice: Pair with a side of steamed rice to create a hearty and filling meal.
• Cornbread: Enjoy with a piece of cornbread for a classic Southern twist.
• Tortilla Chips: Use tortilla chips for a crunchy texture and to scoop up the chili.
• Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Reheating

Reheating:

Reheat chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power, stirring halfway to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

Although cooking chili in a crockpot is straightforward, its rich flavor and comforting aroma are anything but simple.

Imagine coming home to a house filled with the scent of spices and savory goodness.

You’ve put in minimal effort, yet the result is a dish that warms both body and soul.

Each spoonful offers a hearty blend of beans, meat, and vegetables, simmered to perfection.

Don’t forget to personalize your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Perhaps you’ll recall chilly evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories over a steaming bowl.

This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Sure, you can swap turkey for ground beef. I’ve done it before, and it turns out delicious! Just brown it well for added flavor. Turkey makes it healthier, and you won’t miss the beefy taste. Enjoy!

What Can I Use Instead of Bell Pepper?

If you’re out of bell pepper, try using zucchini or carrots for a sweet crunch. Once, I used corn, and it added a delightful sweetness. Just chop similarly, ensuring you maintain that vibrant texture. Enjoy experimenting!

Is It Necessary to Drain the Beans?

You’ll want to drain the beans to avoid excess liquid, creating a thicker, more flavorful chili. I once skipped this step, and my chili turned out soupy. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

How Spicy Is the Chili With Cayenne Pepper?

You’ll find the chili has a mild kick with the cayenne pepper, perfect for most palates. I remember my first bite—it had just enough heat to warm you up without overwhelming your taste buds.

Can I Cook the Chili on High Instead of Low?

Yes, you can cook the chili on high. It’ll take about 2 hours. I’ve tried it, and it still tastes fantastic. Just keep an eye on it to make certain it doesn’t dry out.