Here’s a hearty, easy, and flavorful Crockpot Chili recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or meal prep! 🌶️🍲
🌶️ Crockpot Chili
Ingredients (6–8 servings)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for thinner chili)
- 1–2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
(You can skip this step and add raw meat directly to the crockpot, but browning adds flavor.)
2. Assemble in Crockpot
- Add cooked or raw ground meat to the crockpot.
- Add onion, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth (if using).
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
3. Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if convenient.
4. Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Spicy chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra cayenne.
- Meat swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or a combination.
- Thicker chili: Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day; it freezes well.
I can also provide a white chicken chili crockpot version or a low-carb keto crockpot chili if you want.
