Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Incredibly flavorful, full of protein, and very filling, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe deserves a place in your dinner rotation, especially on chilly nights. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family meals, this chili is not only easy to make but also packs a punch with its bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a game day party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this chili is sure to impress everyone.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Fresh Vegetables
• Cooking Essentials
• Protein
• Beans & Tomatoes
• Spices
• How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
• Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili
• How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Toppings
• Accompaniments
• Garnishes
• How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the best way to customize my Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
• How long does this Crock Pot Chili Recipe take to cook?
• Is this chili spicy?
• Can I double this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 5 minutes of prep, you can have this dish ready to go into the slow cooker.
• Rich Flavor: A blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously hearty flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves up to 10 people, making it perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into our delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe, gather some essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, resulting in perfectly melded flavors over several hours.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic

Cooking Essentials

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)

Protein

• 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)

Beans & Tomatoes

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

Spices

• 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

1. Start by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
2. Set aside your prepared vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Cook until almost browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the beef, mixing well until fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

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

Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili

1. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low heat.
2. Allow it to cook for about 4 hours until all flavors meld together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to serve up this hearty Crock Pot Chili Recipe! Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Serving your Crock Pot Chili Recipe can be a delightful experience. There are many ways to enhance the flavors and presentation, making each bowl even more enjoyable.

Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle cheddar or Monterey Jack on top for extra richness.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a burst of flavor and color.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Warm cornbread is perfect for scooping up chili and adds a sweet touch.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for a delightful contrast.
• Rice – Serve over white or brown rice to make it even heartier.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro gives a fresh taste that complements the chili.
• Lime Wedges – Squeeze lime juice for an added zesty flavor that brightens each bite.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe

To make sure your Crock Pot Chili Recipe turns out just right, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Meat – Choose fresh ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing – Sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic enhances their flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer more heat, add jalapeños or extra chili powder according to your taste.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the chili to cool slightly before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Chili Recipe can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra chili sauce.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a filling combination.
4. Salad – A light garden salad provides freshness and a nice contrast to hearty chili.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements spicy chili perfectly; grill it for added flavor.
6. Fried Plantains – These sweet treats offer a unique twist alongside your savory dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Crock Pot Chili Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing your onions, peppers, and garlic can lead to a bland chili. Always sauté these ingredients first to enhance their flavors.
• Ignoring Meat Quality: Using low-quality ground beef can make your chili greasy. Opt for higher-fat content meat (like 80/20) for better taste and texture.
• Overloading on Spices: Adding too much spice at once can overwhelm the dish. Start with less, taste, and adjust as needed.
• Not Allowing Enough Cook Time: Rushing the cooking process will result in underdeveloped flavors. For best results, stick to the recommended cooking time.
• Neglecting Liquid Balance: Too much or too little liquid can ruin the consistency. Use the correct ratios of tomatoes and beans for a well-balanced chili.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe

• Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered baking dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to customize my Crock Pot Chili Recipe?

You can add different beans, vegetables, or spices based on your preferences. Consider trying corn or diced jalapeños for extra flavor!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

How long does this Crock Pot Chili Recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes about 4 hours on low heat in your slow cooker.

Is this chili spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. Adjust according to your heat preference.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough and adjust cooking time if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Chili Recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try today!