Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite thing to make when the weather turns chilly—my crockpot chili recipe! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re hosting friends. Seriously, there’s something magical about coming home after a long day to the smell of savory spices and hearty beef wafting through the air. I remember the first time I made this for a gathering; everyone was raving about it and going back for seconds! The best part? You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing. No fuss, no stress—just deliciousness waiting for you at the end of the day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Crockpot Chili Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious crockpot chili, and I promise it’s super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: You can use lean or regular ground beef, but make sure to brown it first to get that rich flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans: Drain and rinse these beans to cut down on sodium. They add a lovely texture!
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans: Just like the kidney beans, drain and rinse them. They give a nice color and taste.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: This is your base for the chili! No need to drain; just pour it in.
- 1 cup chopped onion: I love using yellow or white onions for a sweet flavor. Dice them up small!
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper: Any color works—red, green, or yellow! Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives such a beautiful aroma. Just chop those cloves finely!
- 2 tbsp chili powder: This is where the magic happens! Add more if you like it spicier.
- 1 tsp cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth to the chili. You’ll love it!
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste, but this is a good starting point.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best for flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: This helps to bring everything together and adds moisture. You can use low-sodium if you prefer.
And there you have it! All the ingredients you need for a hearty, flavorful crockpot chili. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Crockpot Chili Recipe
Making this crockpot chili is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you. It’s all about layering flavors and letting the magic happen in that slow cooker!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it apart. You want to cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. A little tip: don’t overcrowd the skillet! If you add too much beef at once, it’ll steam instead of brown, and we want that nice, rich flavor. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In your crockpot, add the browned beef. Then, toss in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. It’s like a colorful party in there! Just give it a gentle stir to mix everything up a bit.
Step 3: Season and Mix
Next, let’s add those seasonings! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This is where the flavors start to shine! Use that wooden spoon again and mix everything together really well. You want each bite to be packed with flavor, right?
Step 4: Cooking Time
Alright, cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time and using the high setting, it’ll be ready in about 3-4 hours. Just remember, keep that lid on! It helps the chili cook evenly and keeps all those wonderful flavors trapped inside.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your crockpot chili turns out just right! First, don’t be afraid to customize. If you’re not a fan of ground beef, ground turkey or even a meat substitute works great. You can also throw in extra veggies like corn or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor—just chop them up and toss them in!
Another thing to remember is to taste as you go. Chili is all about personal preference, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or a bit more chili powder! Lastly, make sure to drain and rinse your beans thoroughly. This helps reduce sodium and keeps your chili from getting too watery. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and hearty chili that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this hearty crockpot chili recipe, perfect for keeping you fueled and satisfied. Each serving is about 1 cup and contains roughly:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! One of the great things about chili is its versatility. You can swap out kidney beans for pinto beans or use chickpeas for a unique twist. Each type of bean brings a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment. Just remember to drain and rinse them well to keep your chili from getting too salty!
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, there are several easy ways to spice things up! You can add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix for that extra kick. Another great option is to increase the amount of chili powder or even toss in some cayenne pepper! Just start with a little and taste as you go so you don’t overpower the dish.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Definitely! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day or two ahead, just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot chili recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that you’ll adore for so many reasons! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Effortless Preparation: Just brown the beef, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it cook. Easy-peasy!
- Rich and Flavorful: With layers of spices and hearty ingredients, each bite is bursting with flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. It’s even better the next day!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this chili is sure to impress your friends and loved ones.
Trust me, once you take that first hearty spoonful, you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my crockpot chili, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with warm, buttery cornbread—there’s just something about that sweet and savory combo that’s irresistible. You could also set up a topping bar with shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, and fresh chopped green onions for everyone to customize their bowls. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced avocado or a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh kick. And don’t forget about tortilla chips—they’re perfect for scooping up that hearty chili! Trust me, these pairings elevate the experience to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your delicious crockpot chili is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!
When it’s time to reheat, you can do it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If it thickens up in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Give it a good stir, heat it until it’s nice and steaming, and you’re all set!
Print
Crockpot Chili Recipe: 7 Easy Tips for Hearty Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili recipe that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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. Drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to the crockpot.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Ensure to drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium.
- You can add more vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: crockpot chili recipe, easy chili, slow cooker chili
