Crock Pot Chili

It’s a chilly Saturday evening, and I can almost feel the warmth from my favorite comfort dish simmering away in the kitchen—Crock Pot Chili. Picture this: a cozy blanket wrapped around me and the rich, aromatic scent wafting through the air, beckoning me to grab a bowl. I think about how this recipe was passed down from my grandmother, who used to make it whenever I felt under the weather or just needed a little cheering up. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and it has become a staple in my home, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings with friends. Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe!

Why you’ll love this recipe

What’s not to love about a hearty bowl of chili that’s ready when you are? Imagine coming home after a long day, the tantalizing aroma greeting you at the door, promising a meal that soothes both body and soul. This Crock Pot Chili is not just about flavors; each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect combination of warmth, depth, and comfort.

If you’ve got a busy schedule, this dish is your ultimate ally. Toss everything in your trusty Crock Pot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re hosting friends for a game night or simply cozying up with a book, this chili brings everyone together. Plus, it’s friendly to your wallet—stretching ingredients to feed a crowd or to keep your fridge stocked for days. Who doesn’t love leftovers that taste even better the next day?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get started by rounding up our stars for the show. Each one adds its own unique flair to this chili masterpiece, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean beef to keep it healthier. If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat for all my veggie lovers out there!

• 1 can kidney beans: These beans add that satisfying texture and a lovely earthy flavor. Quick tip: rinse them before adding for a fresher taste.

• 1 can black beans: The black beans complement the kidney beans beautifully, enriching the chili with protein and fiber. Same goes for these—rinsing is key!

• 1 can diced tomatoes: These juicy gems bring a vibrant color and natural sweetness. You could also use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season—just dice and cook them down a bit before adding.

• 1 onion, chopped: Onions are the unsung heroes of any good recipe, bringing sweetness and depth to the mix. I love using yellow onions, but red works beautifully too!

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, garlic—the flavor powerhouse that elevates any dish. If you’re a garlic enthusiast like me, don’t hesitate to add a bit more!

• 2 tablespoons chili powder: This spice is the heart of the dish, bursting with flavor that defines chili. Feel free to experiment with different chili powders to find your perfect blend.

• 1 teaspoon cumin: Just a dash of cumin adds a warm, earthy note. If you’re feeling bold, try toasting the cumin seeds before ground for an aromatic enhancement.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking! Remember, the right amount of salt can really bring out all those flavors.

• 1 cup beef broth: This liquid gold ties everything together, creating a rich consistency. For a lighter option, swap in vegetable broth.

How this recipe comes together

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of chili that will make your heart sing.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep it light.

2. Combine in the Crock Pot: In your Crock Pot, toss in the browned beef along with the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed.

3. Add the Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth, allowing it to beautifully meld all those ingredients together. Give it one last stir—this is where the magic starts to happen!

4. Cook: Cover your Crock Pot and set it on low for 6-8 hours—or crank it up to high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry. Trust me, patience is key here, as those flavors will deepen and become more vibrant.

5. Serve: Once it’s done, ladle that blissful chili into bowls and get ready for a culinary hug.

Best way to enjoy it

Serving your chili is half the fun! I like mine with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro on top. Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side make for a perfect pairing—there’s just something about that crunchy texture against the warm chili.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding diced avocado for creaminess, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even some fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. The options are endless!

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s be real: chili is one of those dishes that gets even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or dash it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave until bubbly hot.

Just a quick heads up—when storing, try to let the chili cool completely first. This keeps it from steaming up the container and getting soggy!

Helpful cooking tips

• Experiment with spices: If you like it spicy, go ahead and add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes! Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Consider your beans: If you’re using dry beans, make sure to soak them the night before, or you can use canned for a quicker route.

• Don’t skip the browning: It really does add a layer of richness—your future self will thank you!

• Make it ahead: This chili freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Future weeknight dinners will be a breeze!

Creative Twists

While this recipe is a classic, don’t be afraid to add your personal flair! Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the meats: Try pulled pork or chicken for a different flavor profile.

• Go vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even quinoa for a satisfying meatless option.

• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or diced carrots can add wonderful textures and flavors to your chili.

Ingredients list

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth

Directions to follow

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. In a Crock Pot, combine the browned beef, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chili.

Common questions

• How long does it take to prep?
  Prep time is quick—about 15 minutes to chop and combine everything before you let the Crock Pot do the work.

• Can I make it spicy?
  Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to turn up the heat.

• What can I serve it with?
  Try cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad to balance the richness.

• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Of course! Use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth.

• How long can I store leftovers?
  In the fridge, up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

There’s something undeniably special about making a pot of chili from scratch. The scents wafting through the kitchen, the way it warms you up from the inside out, and the joy of sharing it with others—there’s nothing like it! Experiment with flavors, make it your own, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful. So go ahead, grab your Crock Pot, and whip up this comforting classic. Your taste buds will thank you! And hey, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you in the comments. Happy cooking!

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Crock Pot Chili

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 21 hrs

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 300

Best Season: Fall

Description

This Crock Pot Chili is your go-to comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and casual gatherings. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and even better as leftovers!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.)
• 1 can kidney beans (Rinse before adding.)
• 1 can black beans (Rinse before adding.)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (Fresh tomatoes can be used when in season.)
• 1 onion, chopped (Yellow or red onions work well.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Add more if you love garlic.)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (Experiment with different chili powders for unique flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (Toasting cumin seeds before grinding enhances flavor.)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Season to your liking.)
• 1 cup beef broth (Can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Brown the Beef

   Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   Drain off any excess fat after browning.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine in the Crock Pot

   In your Crock Pot, toss in the browned beef along with the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
   Stir to ensure everything is well mixed.
   Mark as complete

3. Add the Beef Broth

   Pour in the beef broth and give it one last stir.
   This is where the magic begins!
   Mark as complete

4. Cook

   Cover your Crock Pot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   Patience is key for deep flavors.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Once done, ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy.
   Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 10g40%

Sugars 5g

Protein 20g40%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 10 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Freeze leftovers for up to three months.

Keywords: Crock Pot, Chili, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe