Crockpot Chili Recipe
A simmering pot of chili symbolizes warmth and comfort on a chilly evening. You might think it’s just another recipe, but this dish has the potential to transform your weeknight dinners into something special. With minimal prep and a variety of ingredients, it’s easily tailored to suit your tastes. Ever wondered how a few simple spices can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary? The answer lies in the details, and exploring those nuances could change how you approach cooking altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this Crockpot Chili Recipe is a winner. It’s perfect for busy days since the prep takes only about 10 minutes.
You’ll cook ground beef with onion and jalapeno, then toss everything into the crockpot. The slow cooker handles the rest, giving you a hot meal to return to after a long day.
Each serving is high in protein and rich in fiber, thanks to beans and veggies. Plus, it’s low in sodium, making it a healthy choice. Each serving offers 36g protein, which makes this chili not only satisfying but also nutritious.
This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for leftovers or gatherings, and it’s kid-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it. Adjust the spice to suit your taste!
History
Chili has a rich history that dates back centuries, with its origins potentially traced to the 17th century when Sister Mary of Agreda documented one of the earliest recipes for chili con carne in Spain.
In the mid-1800s, adventurous Texans and cowboys began preparing chili as a staple for the California gold fields and Texas. By 1850, the first chili mix was created.
Chili gained national attention at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, where it was served at the San Antonio Chili Stand. Lyman T. Davis later sold chili from a wagon, eventually canning it.
Over time, chili became a beloved American dish, celebrated for its regional variations and unique recipes, becoming a part of American culinary culture. Chili gained national recognition at the 1893 World’s Fair, showcasing its growing popularity across the United States.
Recipe
Crockpot Chili Recipe
Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for busy days, this crockpot chili recipe allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Simply combine the ingredients in your crockpot and let it simmer to perfection, filling your home with enticing aromas while you go about your day. This recipe is designed to serve approximately six 1.3 cup portions, making it ideal for family gatherings.
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something to impress guests at a gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy. With a mix of ground beef, beans, and spices, it’s packed with protein and flavor. Serve it topped with your favorite garnishes for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: brown sugar, hot sauce, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the browned meat and sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and any optional ingredients you choose.
- Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once the chili is done cooking, serve it hot with your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or diced red onion.
For an even more flavorful chili, consider letting it sit for a few hours after cooking before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Additionally, you can freeze any leftovers for a quick meal later on.
Experiment with different spices and toppings to create your perfect chili!
Final Thoughts
As you wrap up your cooking adventure, remember that this crockpot chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that can be tailored to your preferences.
To enhance the flavor, don’t forget to brown the beef and pre-cook the onions. Mashing some beans can add a creamy texture, making the chili heartier. Including beans in your recipe can also boost the overall nutritional value, providing additional fiber and protein.
Always taste and adjust your seasonings before the final cooking stage. For the best results, cook on low for about eight hours.
This dish isn’t only delicious but also nutritious, offering a good amount of protein and fiber.
Feel free to experiment with variations, like using ground turkey or different beans. Enjoy serving it with your favorite toppings for a complete meal!
FAQ
If you’ve got questions about making the perfect crockpot chili, you’re not alone. The cooking time usually ranges from 4 to 10 hours, depending on your heat setting. For best results, use a low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours.
Browning your ground beef beforehand enhances the flavor, and don’t forget to drain the fat to avoid a greasy chili. Common ingredients include ground beef, onions, garlic, beans, and spices. Pre-cooking veggies will also boost their taste. Additionally, using andouille sausage in your recipe can add a delicious smokey flavor to the chili.
When serving, top your chili with cheese or sour cream for added flavor. Remember, chili often tastes better the next day, so don’t hesitate to store leftovers for later. Enjoy experimenting with different spices to find your perfect blend!
Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Optional: brown sugar hot sauce, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the browned meat and sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and any optional ingredients you choose.
- Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once the chili is done cooking, serve it hot with your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or diced red onion.
- For an even more flavorful chili, consider letting it sit for a few hours after cooking before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Additionally, you can freeze any leftovers for a quick meal later on.
- Experiment with different spices and toppings to create your perfect chili!