If you are craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, look no further than The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe. This dish brings together a robust blend of ground meats, beans, and bold spices simmered to perfection, delivering an irresistible bowl of warmth. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies every craving for rich, spicy goodness in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the ground beef providing rich savoriness, the beans adding creamy texture, or the spices imparting that signature bold chili flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings a meaty depth to the chili.
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey: Adds a complementary flavor and tender texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a pungent and zesty kick.
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: Delivers juicy, tangy chunks to balance richness.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, luscious chili base.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for a deeper, richer taste.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and protein.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings earthy tones and textural contrast.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and intensifies the meaty flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star seasoning that defines your chili’s boldness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and an earthy complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Boosts the heat for those who like it spicy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild bite and balance.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing everything together.
- Shredded cheese: A luscious topping that melts over each spoonful.
- Sour cream: Offers a cooling, creamy contrast.
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, crisp bite.
- Tortilla chips: For delightful crunch alongside the bowl.
How to Make The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, your choice of ground pork or turkey, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic in the final minute to release its aromatic punch. This step builds the base flavor that will carry through the entire chili.
Step 2: Transfer to the Crockpot
Once your meat and onions have cooked, move them into the crockpot. This makes clean-up easier and sets you up to layer in those rich tomato and bean flavors next. Getting the base moving in the slow cooker is the first step to developing the slow-simmered taste that makes this chili so unforgettable.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
To the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want a little extra heat), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine all the elements evenly, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Let It Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours—but patience here really pays off.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
When the cooking time has wrapped up, give your chili a good stir and a taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed; sometimes a pinch more salt, a sprinkle of chili powder, or an extra dash of black pepper can elevate it to perfect. Now your The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add layers of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. These garnishes not only enhance the taste but also add an inviting visual appeal that makes each bowl a joy to eat.
Side Dishes
Serve the chili alongside crispy tortilla chips for a handy scoop or on a bed of steamed rice for a fuller meal. Cornbread or a crusty baguette are also perfect companions, soaking up every flavorful drop and rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or over baked potatoes for an inviting presentation that’s perfect for game days or casual dinner parties. Even layering it with cheese and chips in a skillet for some chili nachos can elevate your comfort food game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your chili feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Freezing
The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you’re always ready with a homemade meal when time is short.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch fix. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating helps maintain the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground meats for extra beans, lentils, or even diced mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the best way to control the spiciness?
Start with less chili powder and cayenne pepper, then adjust your spice level at the end of cooking. Remember, the flavors meld in the slow cooker, so it’s easier to add more heat if needed than to tone it down.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Yes, The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it a day ahead for a super flavorful meal.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop by simmering it over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I use canned beans with different varieties?
Definitely! Feel free to use pinto beans, navy beans, or whatever you prefer. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to keep the chili’s texture just right.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that’s as comforting as a hug and as easy as throwing everything in one pot, The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe will become your new best friend. Its blend of rich, complex flavors and versatile toppings makes it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the happy dance that comes with every bite!
Print
The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Crockpot Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for warming up on chilly days. Combining ground beef and pork with beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this slow-cooked chili delivers deep, rich flavors with minimal effort. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delicious, satisfying meal served with classic toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tomato and Beans
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Spices
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork (or turkey), and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat and onion mixture into your crockpot or slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything until well combined.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips for a classic presentation and extra texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for pork if you prefer a leaner protein.
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- Make sure to rinse and drain the canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
