Incredibly flavorful and perfect for chilly evenings, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is a must-have for your dinner rotation. Packed with protein and an array of spices, it’s versatile enough for family dinners, game days, or meal prep for the week ahead. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty dish that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set this recipe and forget it while it cooks.
Flavorful: A blend of spices and ingredients creates a rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Meal: Great on its own or served over rice, with cornbread, or even in wraps.
Nutritious: Loaded with protein and fiber, this chili keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings or meal prep; this recipe yields about 10 servings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious crock pot chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Essential for evenly cooking the chili over several hours while allowing flavors to develop.
Large skillet: Needed for browning the meat efficiently before adding it to the slow cooker.
Cutting board & knife: Important for safely chopping vegetables, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

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 & Aromatics

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic

Meat & Beans

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

Liquids & Sauces

29 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce

Spices & Seasonings

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: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. This will ensure they cook evenly in the chili.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet.
1. Cook until it is almost browned.
2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the meat while cooking.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Once the beef is browned:
1. Transfer it into the slow cooker.
2. Add kidney beans, chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili

Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of crock pot chili!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Serving your Crock Pot Chili Recipe is an opportunity to enhance flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that can complement your chili perfectly.

Toppings

Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy contrast that balances the spice.
Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and flavor.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado enhances texture and richness.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the chili’s juices.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a fun contrast and can be used for scooping.
Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a heartier option.
Salad: A fresh green salad can lighten the meal and add freshness.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips:

Use Quality Meat: Start with good quality ground beef for richer flavor and texture.
Sauté Vegetables First: Cooking your vegetables before adding them enhances their flavor profile.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to experiment with more chili powder or cumin based on your heat preference.
Let It Simmer Longer: If time allows, cooking on low for longer deepens the flavors even more.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Pair your delicious chili with these side dishes for a well-rounded meal. Each will complement the flavors of your Crock Pot Chili Recipe beautifully.

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf that’s perfect for dipping into the chili.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to spicy chili.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a comforting dish.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and sweetness to balance spices.
Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with salt and pepper are great for dipping.
Fried Plantains: These add sweetness and create an exciting flavor combination with chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes you should avoid:

Skipping the Sauté Step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic first can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take a few minutes to sauté these ingredients for the best taste.
Overloading with Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients can dilute the flavors. Stick to the recipe and adjust gradually if you want to experiment.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high instead of low can result in uneven cooking. Follow the recommended cooking times for optimal results.
Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your chili before serving can leave it under-seasoned. Always sample and adjust spices as needed.
Using Low-Quality Meat: Poor-quality meat can affect the overall taste and texture. Opt for good quality ground beef for rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow chili to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in an oven-safe dish, covered, until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Crock Pot Chili Recipe:

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option while still keeping the chili hearty.

How spicy is this chili?

The spiciness depends on the type of chili powder used. You can adjust it by adding more or opting for mild varieties.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How long does this chili last?

When stored properly, this crock pot chili will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chili Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a chilly night, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and elevate your dinner rotation!

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Crock Pot Chili Recipe

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

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of our Crock Pot Chili Recipe, the ultimate comfort dish for chilly evenings. This easy-to-make chili is a protein-packed delight, featuring a rich blend of spices and ingredients that meld beautifully during slow cooking. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or with rice, cornbread, or even in wraps. Each hearty bowl is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

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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
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon salt

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Instructions

Dice onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until nearly browned. Sprinkle chili powder over the meat while cooking.
Transfer cooked meat to the slow cooker and combine with beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining spices. Stir well.
Set slow cooker on low heat and cook for 4 hours.

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