Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Like a warm embrace on a chilly evening, an Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe can transform your dinner routine with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate how it combines hearty ingredients and rich flavors, making it a go-to for busy nights or gatherings with friends. With just a bit of prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic. Curious about the history behind this beloved dish or how to customize it to your taste? There’s much more to explore that could elevate your chili game.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this easy crockpot chili recipe for several reasons. First, the convenience can’t be beaten; with just 15 minutes of prep time, you can toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook.

This hands-off approach is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. The recipe allows for large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or serving a crowd. Additionally, each serving offers an impressive 36g protein, ensuring you stay full and satisfied.

Nutritionally, it’s high in protein and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to fit dietary needs, making it suitable for everyone.

The rich and savory flavors develop beautifully over time, ensuring a delicious, comforting dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

History

Chili’s history is as rich and complex as its flavor, tracing back to the 17th century when Sister Mary of Agreda in Spain first documented a recipe for chili con carne.

By the 1850s, Texan cowboys began creating their own versions, using simple ingredients to survive tough journeys. Trail cooks in the mid-1800s popularized chili by combining dried beef, fat, and spices into easy-to-transport rectangles.

In 1881, canned chili made its debut when William Gerard Tobin sold it to the U.S. military.

Fast forward to the 1893 Columbian Exposition, where Texas chili gained national attention. Since then, chili has evolved into countless varieties, becoming a beloved staple in American cuisine and celebrated through numerous chili cook-offs and festivals.

Recipe

Crockpot chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, game day, or a cozy night in. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and a blend of spices to create a warm and satisfying meal. With the convenience of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. This dish is particularly popular during the winter months, making it a great option for cold weather meals.

In addition to being easy to prepare, this chili is highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, add different types of beans, or even incorporate additional meats for more depth of flavor. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you have a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:
– 1-2 pounds ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed or diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cups beef broth
– Optional: Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, additional beans, or andouille sausage

Cooking Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the meat to the crockpot.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot with the ground beef. Stir in the crushed or diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and beef broth. If desired, add Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke for extra flavor.
Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring everything is combined. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once the cooking time is complete, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Extra Tips:
When making crockpot chili, feel free to experiment with different beans or meats to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a spicier chili, consider adding diced chipotle peppers or increasing the cayenne pepper.

For a thicker chili, you can also reduce the amount of beef broth or add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this dish perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

While enjoying a warm bowl of chili, it’s clear that this dish isn’t just about flavor but also about the memories created around it.

This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe offers incredible versatility, allowing you to choose from various proteins like ground beef, chicken, or turkey. You can also mix different beans and customize the spices to fit your taste. Additionally, the recipe has received a 5-star rating from 283 votes, showcasing its popularity among those who have tried it.

With minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy days. Just brown the meat, toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it do the work.

Serve it with toppings like sour cream or cheese and pair with comforting sides like cornbread. Remember, leftovers reheat well, making this chili not only delicious but also convenient for future meals.

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect chili? First, remember to brown your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot for better flavor.

You can cook your chili on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If your chili turns out too thin, simply cook it longer; if it’s too thick, add a cup of beef broth and let it simmer for 30 minutes. A great option for serving is to make it a party favorite as it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

For toppings, consider cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding bell peppers or switching to ground turkey.

Finally, you can refrigerate leftovers for 5-7 days in an airtight container, ensuring you enjoy your delicious chili later!