Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make chili! This chili recipe crockpot is a total game changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I’m talking about a hearty, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Seriously, just toss everything in, set it, and forget it! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is simply heavenly. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
What I love most is how the flavors meld together beautifully over time, creating that rich, comforting taste that just makes you feel good. Plus, you can throw in whatever beans or spices you have on hand, making it super versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something cozy to enjoy, this chili is perfect. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chili recipe crockpot a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and crumbled
- 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, with juices
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium is great!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences. Maybe you like it spicier? Go ahead and add some extra chili powder or throw in a diced jalapeño! The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility, so make it your own!
How to Prepare This Chili Recipe Crockpot
Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making this delicious chili in the crockpot! The steps are super easy, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this hearty dish.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking! Toss in your pound of ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You’ll want to brown it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving on—that keeps your chili from being greasy!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to transfer that beautifully browned beef into your crockpot! Add in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors. I like to make sure every ingredient gets a little bit of that broth to soak up—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 3: Cooking Time
Finally, cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for about 3-4 hours. If you want those flavors to really develop, low and slow is the way to go—set it for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, creating that rich, comforting taste we all crave. Just think about how good your house will smell while it cooks!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this chili recipe crockpot! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, packs a hearty punch while keeping things balanced:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust them with any substitutions you make. It’s all about enjoying a delicious bowl of chili while still feeling good about what you’re eating!
Tips for Success
Getting the most out of this chili recipe crockpot is all about the little details! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s all about making it your own!
When it comes to serving, I love topping my chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some fresh cilantro for that burst of freshness. It elevates the dish to a whole new level! And if you have some crusty bread or cornbread on the side, it’s a perfect pairing for soaking up all that deliciousness.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting seasoning at the end can really make all the difference. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of the Chili Recipe Crockpot
The beauty of this chili recipe crockpot is its versatility! You can easily switch things up based on what you have in your pantry or your personal taste. For a heartier version, try adding different beans like pinto or navy beans. Want a twist? Incorporate some corn for a sweet crunch or toss in a diced bell pepper for extra color and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with spices! Swap out the chili powder for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or add a pinch of cinnamon for a unique warmth. You can even make it a white chili by using chicken instead of beef and adding white beans. The possibilities are endless—so get creative and make this chili your own!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe Crockpot
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Rich Flavor: The long cooking time allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together, creating a deep, comforting taste that warms the soul.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is a nutritious option that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to suit your taste, whether you prefer more heat, different beans, or extra veggies!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick, hearty meals.
FAQ Section
Can I make this chili recipe crockpot vegetarian?
Absolutely! Making this chili vegetarian is super simple. Just swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils or meat alternatives such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tempeh. You can also add in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to check your veggie broth if you’re using it instead of beef broth, to keep everything vegetarian-friendly!
How can I store leftovers from the chili recipe crockpot?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Let your chili cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until warmed through. If it’s thickened up a bit, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up!
Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this chili! It freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label them with the date. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave. You’ll love having a hearty meal ready to go on busy days!
Print
Chili Recipe Crockpot: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and flavorful chili made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add all other ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Top with cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chili recipe crockpot
