There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of chili, isn’t there? This crockpot chili recipe is my go-to for those busy days when I want a hearty meal without all the fuss. I love how I can toss everything into the crockpot in just 15 minutes and let it do the heavy lifting while I go about my day. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers is simply divine! Plus, it’s so versatile; you can add your favorite toppings or even sneak in some veggies for a little extra nutrition. Trust me, once you try this easy-peasy recipe, you’ll want to make it every week!
Ingredients for the Crockpot Chili Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this amazing chili come to life! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to chop the onion finely and mince the garlic well for the best flavor infusion. And don’t forget to rinse those beans! It helps remove any excess sodium and keeps the chili nice and fresh. These simple ingredients blend together to create a rich, hearty meal that’s sure to warm your soul.
How to Prepare the Crockpot Chili Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious crockpot chili recipe! The steps are super straightforward, and soon you’ll be rewarded with a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, heat a skillet over medium heat and add your pound of ground beef. I usually break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown for about 5–7 minutes. This step is crucial because it develops a fantastic flavor base for your chili. Make sure it’s nicely browned but not burnt—your taste buds will thank you later!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Keep an eye on the garlic; you don’t want it to burn, as it can turn bitter! Stir it occasionally and enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Carefully transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your crockpot. Then, add in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure all those amazing flavors mingle together. Trust me, this step is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Set the Crockpot
Finally, cover your crockpot and set it to cook! You can choose to set it on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. If you’re busy, low and slow is the way to go! Just check it around the end of the cooking time—when the chili is bubbling and the flavors have melded beautifully, you know it’s done. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy prep—just toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food.
- Flavorful and robust, with a depth that comes from slow cooking.
- Minimal cleanup—cook everything in one pot, so you can relax after dinner.
- Customizable! Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to your liking.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—this recipe easily doubles for gatherings.
Tips for Success
Want to take your crockpot chili recipe from good to absolutely amazing? Here are my top tips for ensuring your chili turns out perfect every time!
- Adjust the Spices: Don’t be afraid to tweak the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the chili powder.
- Mix in Extra Ingredients: Feel free to get creative! Throw in some bell peppers, corn, or even a can of diced green chilies for an extra flavor punch. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Let It Simmer: If you have the time, let your chili cook longer on low heat. The flavors really deepen and meld together the longer it simmers, making each bite even more delicious!
- Top It Off: Serve your chili with a variety of toppings! I love adding shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices. It really elevates the dish and adds a nice creaminess.
- Pair It Right: Chili is perfect with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a fun twist!
- Store It Wisely: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It tastes even better the next day as all those flavors continue to develop!
By following these tips, you’ll have a chili that’s not just good, but *great*. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a hearty serving of my crockpot chili recipe! Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This chili is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for a filling meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth without the guilt!
FAQ About Crockpot Chili Recipe
If you’re curious about making this crockpot chili recipe, you might have some questions! Here are a few I often get asked, along with my answers to help you on your chili-making journey.
How long does it take to cook this chili in the crockpot?
Great question! You can cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you have the time, I definitely recommend the low setting—it really lets the flavors develop beautifully!
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even go meatless with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
What toppings do you recommend for serving?
Oh, the toppings are where you can really make this chili your own! I love to add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. You could also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for a nice crunch!
Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini can be fantastic additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. They’ll cook down nicely and add extra flavor and nutrition!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. And trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot chili recipe is super easy, and I want to make sure you enjoy every last bite! Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any odors from other foods soaking in!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, this chili freezes beautifully! Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Label it with the date, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
- Stovetop: Pour the desired amount into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 5–10 minutes. If it’s a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up!
- Microwave: Transfer your chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters!), and heat on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before digging in!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor that comforting chili goodness all week long. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Crockpot Chili Recipe: 7 Comforting Tricks You’ll Love
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty crockpot chili recipe that you can make with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot.
- Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Top with cheese or sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot chili recipe
