The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Warming comfort arrives with this hearty crockpot chili recipe that promises rich, soul-satisfying flavors.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal packed with depth and complexity.

Beans, ground beef, and aromatic spices meld together seamlessly during hours of gentle simmering.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a delicious, hands-off dinner solution.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components create something spectacularly tasty.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become special with this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

Savor every spoonful and let the incredible aromas fill your home with pure culinary joy.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from stovetop versions?

The slow cooking process in a Crockpot allows flavors to develop more deeply, creating a richer and more tender chili that melds all ingredients perfectly.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this recipe and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How can I make the chili spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use a hotter chili powder blend to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your specific broth and seasoning labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten sources.

Easy and Tasty Crockpot Chili Recipe

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the Crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming raw components into a hearty, flavorful chili without constant monitoring.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe with preferred beans, swap meats, or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and vegetables, this chili offers a nutritious one-pot meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Gathering Dish: Perfect for potlucks, game day, or casual get-togethers, this chili serves a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time, reducing day-of cooking stress.

Ingredients Checklist for Crockpot Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the foundational flavor for the chili.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add depth and complexity to the chili's overall taste profile.

• Kidney Beans: A classic chili ingredient that offers texture and additional protein.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: These tomato products create a rich, thick base and provide a tangy undertone to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: These spices create the signature warm and complex flavor profile of traditional chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Garnishes that add extra flavor, creaminess, and freshness to the finished chili.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Chili Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned.

Carefully drain away excess fat using a colander to remove grease.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté together with beef until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Combine Chili Base

Transfer beef mixture into crockpot.

• Diced bell pepper
• Kidney beans
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste

Mix ingredients thoroughly to create a rich foundation for your chili.

Step 4: Season the Chili

Pour beef broth into the crockpot.

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir completely to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the chili.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and develop deep, complex taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Enjoy your warm, comforting meal straight from the crockpot.

Tips for Slow Cooker Chili Success

• Add a splash of beer or red wine during cooking to enhance the chili's richness and complexity.
• Drain canned beans thoroughly and pat ground beef dry before browning to reduce excess liquid.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black beans and pinto beans for a protein-packed alternative.
• Adjust heat by using mild or hot chili powder, or add a diced jalapeño for extra kick.
• Portion leftover chili in airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals.

Variations to Try with Crockpot Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra beans like black or pinto beans for protein.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat option. Maintain the same spice blend and cooking method.
• Spicy Southwestern Chili: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of hot sauce. Include corn kernels and use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Chili: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check broth and tomato sauce labels to avoid hidden gluten sources. Serve with gluten-free cornbread or over rice.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chili

• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this hearty chili during football watch parties or sports gatherings to keep everyone satisfied and warm.
• Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair with warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for a soul-warming dinner that brings family together around the table.
• Customizable Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and lime wedges so guests can personalize their chili experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, ensuring delicious meals are always ready.

How to Store Crockpot Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and quality.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chili delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for cold nights. Slow-cooking beef, beans, and spices creates a deeply satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth

Spices:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Jalapeños
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Discard accumulated fat completely.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic with the beef until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the crockpot, creating a rich base for the chili.
4. Incorporate diced bell peppers, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the crockpot, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Pour beef broth over the mixture, creating a liquid foundation for the chili.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper across the surface, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive seasoning distribution.
7. Secure the crockpot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if needed for optimal flavor profile.
9. Ladle the robust chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions.

Notes

• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat version of the chili.
• Bean Variety Boost: Mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans to add more texture and nutritional diversity.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat tolerance, gradually increasing for more intense flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: This chili can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 268 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg