When the weather outside grows chilly and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to comfort your soul. Crockpot chili, in particular, stands out as the ideal choice for those cool evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that delights your palette and fills your home with irresistible aromas. You’ll see how simple it is to make this delightful dish that everyone will love!
Why We Love This Crockpot Chili Recipe
Crockpot chili holds a special place in many hearts, and for good reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer a vegetarian option, chili can always be adjusted to your liking. Secondly, the slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making every bite a burst of savory goodness. Plus, with a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it! As the ingredients mingle and develop their flavors, you can go about your day without worrying. Finally, the satisfaction of enjoying your homemade chili while it warms you from the inside on a cold day is simply incomparable.
Ingredients about Crockpot Chili
To create this amazing crockpot chili, you’ll need a handful of quality ingredients that come together to form a delicious dish. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 14 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
These readily available ingredients will help you whip up a chili that is both hearty and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to personalize your chili with additional toppings or spices that you enjoy!
How to Make Crockpot Chili Directions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your delicious crockpot chili.
- Brown the Meat: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. As it cooks, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned and no longer pink (about 4 to 5 minutes), add the diced green bell pepper, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these ingredients together for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and mingle with the meat.
- Drain Excess Fat: After the meat and vegetables are cooked, carefully drain the fat from the skillet. This will prevent your chili from becoming overly greasy.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Now it’s time to transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Remember, you can always adjust the amount of spices to your taste.
- Add Other Ingredients: Next, add in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke. These add different layers of flavor to your chili that will make it extraordinary! Now, toss in 14 ounces of drained kidney beans, 28 ounces of undrained diced tomatoes, and 15 ounces of tomato sauce. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
- Set the Heat: Put the lid on the crockpot. You can choose to cook your chili on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Whichever you choose, the goal is for the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, give your chili a good stir and taste. Adjust the seasonings if necessary. Your crockpot chili is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Crockpot Chili
Serving your crockpot chili can be as fun and imaginative as making it. Start by ladling generous portions into soup bowls. To elevate your serving experience, consider offering a variety of toppings. You might include diced red onions, which add a bit of crunch and sharpness, or sliced jalapeños for those who crave some heat.
For a delightful creamy texture, top your chili with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top. Corn chips make for a great side, adding a crispy texture that goes wonderfully with the chili. Feel free to set up a topping bar where everyone can customize their bowl with their favorites.
Serving chili with cornbread or warm tortillas can also make for a fantastic meal. The options are endless, and the joy comes from making it as personalized as you like!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chili
To make your crockpot chili experience even better, keep the following expert tips in mind:
- Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables to elevate your chili’s overall taste.
- Flavor Building: Don’t rush the browning of the meat and the cooking of the vegetables. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your chili.
- Spice Adjustments: If you’re unsure about the spice level, start with less and adjust as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away.
- Be Creative: Feel free to experiment with different beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type brings a unique flavor and texture to your dish!
- Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it a day in advance and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Crockpot Chili
Storing your delicious crockpot chili is simple and hassle-free. Once your chili has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. It can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing your chili. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Frozen chili can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Chili
One of the great aspects of chili is its versatility. You can customize this crockpot chili recipe to create different versions:
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or even tempeh. You can also include a wider variety of vegetables like zucchini or carrots to add texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Chili: If you crave more heat, toss in extra cayenne pepper or even some diced hot peppers. You can also try adding a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Sweet Chili: Try incorporating a tablespoon of brown sugar or gently sautéed sweet corn to contrast with the spiciness of the chili.
- Exotic Chili: Experiment with other spices, like paprika or coriander, or add a can of coconut milk for a creamy, rich flavor.
The beauty of chili lies in its flexibility, allowing you to create a new favorite each time!
FAQ
What is the best ground beef for crockpot chili?
Using ground beef that is around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is perfect for chili. It gives enough fat to keep your chili flavorful but not too greasy.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef for lentils or a mixture of beans, and feel free to add in more vegetables.
How long can I keep leftover chili?
You can store leftover chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I add beans to my chili?
Yes! In fact, this recipe includes kidney beans, and you can add other beans like black beans or pinto beans for extra variety.
What goes well with crockpot chili?
You can serve your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even over rice. Toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs enhance the experience as well.
Crockpot Chili
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 green bell pepper Diced
- 1 medium Yellow Onion Diced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Chipotle
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke
- 14 ounces Kidney Beans Drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces Diced Tomatoes Undrained
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture to the Crockpot.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, stir well and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
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