There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chili on a chilly day, don’t you think? This crockpot chili recipe has become my go-to for those cozy nights when I just want to snuggle up with a hearty meal. The rich flavors meld together effortlessly as it simmers away, filling my home with the most mouthwatering aroma. I love how easy it is to throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while I go about my day. Trust me, once you taste this chili, you’ll be hooked! It’s packed with beans, beef, and spices, making it a satisfying dish that warms you right up. Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

How to Prepare Your Crockpot Chili Recipe

Making this crockpot chili recipe is as easy as pie, and trust me, the flavor is worth every minute! Let’s dive into the steps that’ll guide you to chili perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to cook it all the way through until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. This step builds an amazing base flavor!
2. Once the beef is ready, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion gets that lovely translucent look, which should take another 3-4 minutes. The smell? Oh wow, it’s heavenly!
3. Now, transfer your beef mixture into the crockpot. This is where the magic happens! Add in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to add the beef broth and chopped bell pepper. This combo is going to create a symphony of flavors!
4. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients thoroughly. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!
5. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. If you can, resist the urge to peek too often—let it simmer away!
6. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can really elevate the dish. Let your chili rest for about 30 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors deepen even more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Rich, layered flavors that develop beautifully through slow cooking.
• Simple to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot!
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Versatile and customizable to suit your taste.

Tips for Success

To make your crockpot chili truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip browning the beef; it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornmeal during cooking. And remember, the longer it cooks, the better it gets! So, if you can, opt for the low-and-slow method. Lastly, let it rest before serving to allow those flavors to meld together beautifully!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this crockpot chili recipe! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different types of beans—try adding pinto beans or chickpeas for a twist. Want more veggies? Toss in some corn, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Spice lovers can kick it up a notch by adding chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover crockpot chili is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can warm it on the stove over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through. Just be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose. While I can’t provide precise nutritional data for this crockpot chili recipe, you can estimate the calories and nutrients based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this hearty dish while being mindful of your dietary needs!

FAQ Section

Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You’ll still get that hearty flavor!

How do I thicken my chili?
If you find your chili is a bit too runny, there are a couple of tricks you can use. You can mash some of the beans against the side of the crockpot to create a thicker texture. Alternatively, stirring in a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina can also do the trick!

Can I make this chili spicier?
For sure! If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some crushed red pepper flakes. Just remember to add a little at a time, so you can control the spice level to your liking!

What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Even water will work in a pinch, though the flavors might not be as rich.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will still yield delicious results. Just remember, the longer it simmers on low, the better the flavors meld together!

Crockpot Chili Recipe: 5 Tips for a Flavorful Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili recipe that delivers rich taste and texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
4. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, beef broth, and bell pepper to the crockpot.
5. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
• Let the chili rest for 30 minutes before serving for improved flavor development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: crockpot chili recipe