Warm up your day with this tasty Crockpot Chili! It’s loaded with beans, ground meat, and lots of flavorful spices. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Perfect for busy days, this chili is so easy to make. I love that I can set it and forget it! Plus, it always tastes better the next day, so leftovers are a win! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works great, but ground turkey is a lighter option. You can also use vegetarian ground meat for a meatless version!
Onion and Bell Pepper: Fresh onion and bell pepper add great flavor. If you’re short on time, frozen veggies are a good substitute! Yellow onion is sweeter, while red has a bit more bite.
Beans: Kidney beans are popular here, but you could swap them for black beans or chickpeas. If you prefer no beans, just add more meat or veggies instead.
Tomatoes: Feel free to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned! Just chop about 2 cups of ripe tomatoes, and you’ll get the same delicious flavor.
Spices: Chili powder is essential, but you can mix in taco seasoning if that’s what you have. If you like it spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes!
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Is Full of Flavor?
Flavoring your chili starts with the meat and veggies. Cooking them in a skillet before adding to the crockpot helps develop great taste. Don’t rush this step!
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Mix all the spices with the canned ingredients in the crockpot to enhance the flavors.
- Letting it cook low and slow is key! This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Chili Base:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Spices:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Liquids:
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Toppings:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time. Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, making it perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it out so your chili doesn’t get greasy.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Transfer to Crockpot:
Now, transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into your crockpot. It’s where all the magic happens!
4. Mix in the Rest:
In the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, drained beans (if using), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Add Liquid:
Pour in the beef broth or water to help everything cook nicely. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Cook It:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s ready, give it a gentle stir before serving. Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions. Enjoy your hearty bowl of comforting Crockpot Chili!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting, but it’s best to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot for more flavor.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or skip it altogether and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian chili.
How Long Does Leftover Chili Last?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or increase the amount of chili powder. Taste and adjust as you go to find the perfect level for you!
