Incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner rotation when the weather turns chilly. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing for game day, or simply looking for a comforting meal, this chili stands out for its rich taste and hearty ingredients. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious homemade dish with ease.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires just a few simple steps and minimal cooking time.
Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Feeding a Crowd: With up to 10 servings, it’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Versatile: Customize your chili by adding your favorite beans or toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is both nutritious and filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools you’ll need to make this delicious crockpot chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: This is key for low-and-slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
Large Skillet: Perfect for browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface helps you chop vegetables safely and efficiently.
Chef’s Knife: Essential for dicing ingredients quickly, ensuring even cooking.

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.

For the Base

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)

For the Meat

2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)

For the Beans and Tomatoes

15.5 ounces kidney beans
15.5 ounces chili hot beans
29 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce

For Seasoning

2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt

How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Dice the onion, green peppers, and garlic on a cutting board.
Set them aside to add later.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with sautéed vegetables.
Cook until almost browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the beef during cooking.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

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

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on low for about 4 hours until heated through and flavors melded.

Enjoy serving this warming Crock Pot Chili Recipe with your favorite sides or toppings!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Serving your crock pot chili can be as fun as making it! This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with many accompaniments. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
Shredded Cheese: Melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese enhances flavor and texture.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a crunchy finish and vibrant color.

Serve with Bread

Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread complements the chili perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy side that’s great for dipping.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up chili.

Create a Chili Bar

Toppings Station: Set up a variety of toppings like jalapeños, avocado, and olives for guests to customize their bowls.
Variety of Cheeses: Offer different types of cheeses to suit various tastes.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Getting your crock pot chili just right can take a bit of practice. Here are some tips to ensure it’s always delicious!

Flavors: Increase the amount of spices if you prefer a spicier kick; adding more chili powder can enhance the flavor profile.
Layer Ingredients Properly: Start with the meat at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by vegetables and then beans to ensure even cooking.
Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for longer creates rich flavors; try not to rush the process!
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your chili before serving; adjust seasonings as needed for that perfect balance.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your crock pot chili can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the spiciness of the chili well.
Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a filling twist on a classic dish.
Salad: A simple green salad brings freshness and lightness alongside your hearty meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and flavor variety.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Melty grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into chili!

With these serving ideas, tips, and side dishes, your crock pot chili recipe will shine every time!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make minor errors when preparing a crock pot chili. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

Overcooking the meat: Sautéing the ground beef for too long can lead to dry meat. Cook just until it’s browned before adding it to the slow cooker.
Ignoring spice measurements: Adding too much or too little spice can affect flavor. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced taste.
Not layering ingredients: Placing all ingredients together without proper layering can lead to uneven cooking. Add meat, then beans, followed by tomatoes for best results.
Using old spices: Spices lose potency over time. Check expiration dates and replace them as needed for an aromatic chili.
Skipping garnishes: Not using toppings can make the meal less appealing. Fresh herbs, cheese, or sour cream can enhance both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Crock pot chili can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers to store chili.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Pour chili into a microwave-safe bowl; heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding this crock pot chili recipe.

How do I make a vegetarian Crock Pot Chili Recipe?

You can easily substitute ground beef with lentils or mixed beans. Just add additional vegetables like zucchini or corn for more texture.

Can I prepare this Crock Pot Chili Recipe overnight?

Yes! You can prep all ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply transfer them to your crock pot and cook as instructed.

What toppings go well with Crock Pot Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. These add flavor and texture!

How spicy is this Crock Pot Chili Recipe?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder and any additional spices you add. For milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder used.

Final Thoughts

This crock pot chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite beans or veggies. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, making it a must-try during those chilly evenings!

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Crock Pot Chili Recipe

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Author: Tia
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the cozy comfort of a homemade Crock Pot Chili Recipe that is both hearty and flavorful. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings, or game days. With a rich blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and protein-packed beans, this chili will warm you from the inside out. Best of all, it requires minimal prep time—just sauté your vegetables and ground beef, combine everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Enjoy customizing your chili with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a night in with family, this crock pot chili will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic
2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
15.5 ounces kidney beans
15.5 ounces chili hot beans
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
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt

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Instructions

Dice onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
Sauté vegetables in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Brown ground beef with sautéed vegetables; drain excess fat.
Combine meat mixture with beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American