Incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, game day, or simply craving comfort food, this chili fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in your slow cooker, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This crockpot chili requires minimal prep time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
Rich Flavor: With a blend of spices and hearty ingredients, each bite delivers a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this chili by adding your favorite beans or vegetables to suit your taste.
Large Batch: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead; this recipe yields 10 servings.
Comforting Meal: A warm bowl of chili is always comforting, making it an ideal dish for cold weather.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe is simple with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand for smooth sailing in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large pan
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The key tool for this recipe allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
Large pan: Ideal for browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker; ensures even cooking.
Cutting board and knife: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables to save time during prep.

Ingredients

Incredibly flavorful, full of protein, and very filling, this crockpot chili needs to be added to your dinner rotation when it is chilly outside.

Vegetables

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic

Meat and Beans

2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
15.5 ounces kidney beans
15.5 ounces chili hot beans

Sauces and Spices

29 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon salt

How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic into small pieces. This will enhance the flavor distribution during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the pan.
Cook until almost browned; then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the meat.
Continue cooking until fully browned.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned meat mixture into your slow cooker.
Add kidney beans, chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Cook Your Chili

Set your slow cooker on low heat.
Allow it to cook for about 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will blend together!

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Crock Pot Chili Recipe, perfect for sharing with family or savoring all week long!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Serving your Crock Pot Chili Recipe can elevate the meal experience for everyone. There are many delicious ways to enjoy this hearty dish, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

With Toppings

Shredded Cheese: Add a generous handful of cheese on top for a creamy texture.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and balances the spice.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy contrast and bright flavor.
Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños make a great spicy addition.

On a Bed of Rice

White Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice for an extra filling meal.
Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds fiber and nuttiness.

As a Burrito Filling

Flour Tortillas: Spoon chili into warm tortillas, roll them up, and enjoy as burritos.
Corn Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option that pairs perfectly with chili.

With Cornbread

Classic Cornbread: Serve alongside sweet cornbread to balance the flavors of the chili.
Corn Muffins: Mini corn muffins are great for dipping into the chili.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe

To make your Crock Pot Chili Recipe even better, consider these simple tips:

flavors matter: Use fresh spices and herbs to enhance the taste. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
Layer ingredients wisely: Place heartier items like beans at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.
Cook low and slow: Allowing the chili to cook on low helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
Taste test before serving: Adjust seasonings like salt or spice levels just before serving for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Enjoying your Crock Pot Chili Recipe is even better with delicious side dishes. Here are some perfect pairings:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is great for dipping into your chili.
Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the chili.
Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.
Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a comforting twist on classic toppings.
Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese and jalapeños pair wonderfully with chili.
Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains complement the spiciness of the dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious crock pot chili recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the Sautéing Step: Some people add raw vegetables directly to the slow cooker. Sautéing enhances flavors and ensures your veggies are tender.
Overloading on Spices: Adding too many spices can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts and adjust based on your taste preferences.
Not Letting it Simmer Long Enough: Rushing the cooking time results in underdeveloped flavors. Allow your chili to cook for the full duration for optimal taste.
Ignoring Texture Preferences: If you prefer a thicker chili, don’t add too much liquid. Adjust your tomato sauce and beans accordingly for a heartier consistency.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality meat. High-quality ingredients make a significant difference in flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover crock pot chili in an airtight container.
It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this crock pot chili recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What makes this Crock Pot Chili Recipe so special?

This crock pot chili recipe is packed with flavor and protein, making it a filling meal perfect for chilly nights. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as healthier alternatives. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat chosen.

How do I make this Easy Chili Recipe Crockpot vegetarian?

Swap out meat for additional beans or lentils. Increase veggie quantities like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and texture.

Is this Simple Crock Pot Chili spicy?

The spiciness level depends on your choice of chili powder and hot beans. You can easily adjust these ingredients to suit your taste!

Can I cook this overnight?

Yes! This basic chili recipe crockpot can be set on low overnight. Just ensure it’s properly stored before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This crock pot chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels based on your family’s preferences. Give it a try—your cozy dinner awaits!

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Crock Pot Chili Recipe

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

Cozy up with this simple and delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this hearty dish warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a family dinner, this easy chili is the ideal comfort food that cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker. With versatile ingredients, you can customize it to suit your taste, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Serve it with your favorite toppings or alongside cornbread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
15.5 ounces kidney beans
15.5 ounces chili hot beans
29 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce
Spices: chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt

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Instructions

Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until softened.
Brown the ground beef in the same pan and mix with chili powder.
Transfer everything to the slow cooker and add remaining ingredients; stir well.
Cook on low for about 4 hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American