There’s just something incredibly comforting about coming home to the rich, savory aroma of crockpot chili wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love how this recipe brings everyone together, whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in. What makes my crockpot chili stand out is the perfect blend of spices and hearty ingredients that create a flavor explosion with every spoonful. Plus, it’s so easy to make! You simply toss everything in, set it, and let the magic happen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to chili recipe. So grab your crockpot, and let’s create something delicious that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs ground beef (lean)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you prefer)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
How to Prepare Crockpot Chili
Making crockpot chili is a breeze, and I promise, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. First things first, let’s brown that ground beef. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef until it’s nicely browned—about 5-7 minutes. You want to break it up into small pieces, so it mixes well with everything else.
Once the beef is cooked, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and tender. The aroma will be amazing, trust me! Now, it’s time to transfer everything into your crockpot. Add the drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, making it even tastier! Just try to resist the urge to peek too often; every time you lift the lid, you let the heat escape! When it’s time to serve, grab your favorite toppings and get ready for a delicious chili experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your crockpot.
- Add in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing those flavors to deepen and mingle.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling: This crockpot chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours!
- Easy preparation: With just a bit of browning and chopping, everything goes into the crockpot. Set it and forget it while it cooks up a storm!
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a game day, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this chili is sure to please a crowd.
- Flavorful and customizable: You can easily adjust spices or add your favorite veggies, making it perfect for any palate.
- Gluten-free option available: Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian chili that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
Want to take your crockpot chili to the next level? Here are some of my top tips that have worked wonders for me!
- Adjusting spice levels: Chili is all about personal preference! Start with the suggested spices, but don’t hesitate to taste and tweak as you go. If you like it spicier, toss in some jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer it milder, ease back on the chili powder.
- Adding ingredients for variety: Feel free to mix things up! You can add corn for a touch of sweetness or throw in some diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies. You can even experiment with different beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for a unique twist.
- Ensuring proper cooking times: Remember, the longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it becomes! If you’re short on time, don’t worry—just set it to high for 3-4 hours. But if you can let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, you’ll be rewarded with a chili that’s bursting with flavor!
Trust me, following these tips will elevate your crockpot chili game and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! While I always say to enjoy your food without obsessing over the details, it’s helpful to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a rough estimate for a serving size of 1 cup of this delicious crockpot chili:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so consider them general guidelines. Enjoy your hearty bowl of chili without guilt—it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and nourishing meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best crockpot chili? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my tips and tricks for success.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it might have a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.
How do I thicken my crockpot chili?
If you find your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stirring it in. Let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, and it should help achieve that perfect consistency!
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Just replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more beans or veggies to make it hearty and satisfying.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover crockpot chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick meal later!
Can I add other veggies to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in diced zucchini, corn, or even some chopped carrots for added flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to customize your crockpot chili!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover crockpot chili is super simple, and doing it right will ensure you enjoy every last bite! Once your chili has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, which is perfect for those quick lunch or dinner options. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track!
When it’s time to reheat, just scoop out the portion you want and warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave—just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Enjoy that cozy flavor all over again!
Imprimer
Crockpot Chili: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Temps Total: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili perfect for any gathering.
Ingrédients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and beef broth.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Can add corn for extra sweetness.
- Vegetarian option: substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 6 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: crockpot chili, chili recipe, slow cooker chili
