Crockpot Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef)
(read how to use ground turkey
- 1 1/2 teaspoon 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)
(read what ground chipotle is here
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper)
(read about spice level here
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke)
(learn what liquid smoke is here
- 14 ounces kidney beans
drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
undrained
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
Directions
- 1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break up. Season with salt and pepper. (Don't miss my section on the post on substitutions and variations for crockpot chili.)
- 2
Add in the green pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until you can no longer see pink. There is no need to cook the beef all the way through. Drain the fat from the skillet.
- 3
Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add in the chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and ground cayenne pepper. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- 4
Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Serve with diced red onion, corn chips, sliced jalapenos, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Crockpot Chili
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a rich, hearty chili, simmering to perfection without any fuss. This Crockpot Chili recipe delivers on that promise, offering a truly satisfying meal that's bursting with flavor, ready to warm you from the inside out. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that feels like a labor of love, but only takes minutes of active prep.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this hearty Crockpot Chili lies in its slow, gentle cooking process, which allows all the robust ingredients to meld together into a deep, complex flavor profile. We're talking about a powerhouse blend of chili powder, cumin, and a subtle kick from ground chipotle and cayenne pepper. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke infuses every spoonful with an irresistible depth, ensuring this chili is anything but bland. This method ensures you get tender ground beef and perfectly cooked beans, all soaking up those delicious spices.
What to Expect
You can expect a wonderfully hearty and thick chili, brimming with tender ground beef, soft kidney beans, and aromatic vegetables like diced green bell pepper and sweet yellow onion. The rich, savory tomato base is beautifully spiced, offering a comforting warmth without overwhelming heat, though the cayenne and chipotle provide a pleasant gentle hum. Every spoonful is incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect family-friendly meal for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend gathering. It's a robust dish that sticks to your ribs in the best possible way.
Customization & Variations
This versatile slow cooker chili welcomes your personal touch. While ground beef provides a classic base, you can easily swap it for ground turkey for a leaner option, as suggested. For those who prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and ground chipotle, or ramp them up if you crave more fire. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, if kidney beans aren't your favorite.
Serving & Context
This ultimate comfort food is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Serve your Crockpot Chili piping hot with a generous sprinkle of your favorite toppings—think shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or even some crushed corn chips for added texture. It’s excellent on its own, or alongside a simple cornbread for a truly classic pairing.