Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite chili recipe made in a crockpot! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver on busy days. You just throw everything in, set it, and forget it. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, full of rich flavors that just meld together beautifully as it cooks. I love making this chili for game days or cozy family dinners. The smell wafting through the house is simply heavenly! And the best part? It’s so versatile! You can customize it however you like—add some spice if you’re feeling adventurous or throw in some veggies for an extra boost. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this chili! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, we need to brown the ground beef. Heat a skillet over medium heat—this is key! If it’s too hot, you’ll end up with burnt bits, which no one wants. Cook the beef until it’s nice and brown, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This step adds so much flavor to your chili, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together until the onion is soft and translucent—about 3-5 minutes should do it. The aroma of garlic and onion mingling with the beef is absolutely divine! This step really enhances the depth of flavor in your chili.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Carefully transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Then, add in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. It should look vibrant and inviting!
Step 4: Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook! You have two options here: for a low and slow approach, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, crank it up to high for 3-4 hours. Either way, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty chili that’s ready to be devoured. Just remember, keep that lid on—it helps everything cook evenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
- Flavorful and satisfying, with rich, hearty ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable to your taste; add your favorite spices, veggies, or toppings for a personal touch.
- Great for feeding a crowd—whether it’s game day or a cozy gathering with friends and family.
- It’s gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
- The slow cooking method allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- It’s a one-pot wonder—less mess and easier clean-up for you!
- Perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure you nail this chili recipe like a pro! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your chili game:
- Tweak the Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to match your taste buds. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer it milder? Just scale back a bit. You can always taste and adjust as it cooks!
- Add Extra Veggies: For a heartier chili, toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just chop them up and add them when you combine everything in the crockpot. They add great flavor and nutrition!
- Think About Toppings: Toppings can really take your chili from good to amazing! Consider garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. They not only add flavor but also make your bowl look extra inviting!
- Use Quality Ingredients: This is a great time to splurge on high-quality beef and organic tomatoes if you can. The better your ingredients, the better your chili will taste!
- Let It Sit: If you have time, let your chili cool and then reheat it. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it taste even better the next day!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: The browning step for the beef adds tons of flavor, so trust me, don’t skip it! It’s worth that extra pan to get those delicious caramelized bits.
So there you have it! With these tips, you’ll be making the best crockpot chili ever. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delicious chili recipe! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
This chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a hearty choice that’ll keep you satisfied. Plus, with the comforting flavors and rich ingredients, you won’t even realize you’re enjoying something nutritious. So dig in and savor every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious chili leftovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savor this goodness for days. Here’s how to keep your chili fresh and flavorful:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow your chili to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to any storage containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your chili watery.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store your chili in airtight containers to keep it fresh. You can use glass or plastic containers—whatever you have on hand. Just make sure they seal well!
- Refrigerate: Your chili will stay good in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just make sure it’s sealed properly to avoid any funky smells or flavors!
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it for an extended period, chili freezes beautifully! Portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top since it will expand. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat:
- Thaw First: If you’ve frozen your chili, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the Stove: For the best flavor, reheat your chili on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick.
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through.
And there you have it! With these simple tips, you can enjoy your chili just as much the next day (or even weeks later) as you did fresh out of the crockpot! Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some common queries about this fabulous chili recipe made in a crockpot!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a delicious chili without the extra fat!
How do I make this chili vegetarian?
It’s super simple! Just skip the ground beef and replace it with more beans or some hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You could also add some lentils for added protein!
Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot, then add all the ingredients and simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
How spicy is this chili?
This chili has a milder flavor thanks to the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily kick up the heat! Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to adjust it to your liking. Trust me, it’s super flexible!
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge after cooking and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. Perfect for meal prep!
Print
Chili Recipe Crockpot: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Food
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful chili recipe made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until soft.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Garnish with cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili recipe crockpot
