There’s something truly magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of chili simmering away in your crockpot. It’s like a hug in a bowl! This *chili recipe crockpot* is my go-to for cozy nights in or when friends drop by unexpectedly. I love how effortlessly it comes together with just a few ingredients tossed in, and then you can just let it do its thing while you kick back. My family always gathers around the table for chili night, and the smiles on their faces when they take that first bite are priceless. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your delicious chili! I promise, you won’t need to hunt down anything exotic—just regular staples that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Feel free to customize this list to your taste! You can even swap in different beans or throw in an extra can of tomatoes if you like it extra saucy. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this *chili recipe crockpot* ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal that fills your home with savory aromas.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors—so don’t skip it! Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep your chili from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This quick sautéing will really enhance the flavor, making your chili that much better. Plus, the smell is just heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now it’s time to transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot! Add in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine—it’s important to make sure all those flavors meld together nicely. Trust me, you’ll want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I love the low setting for that deep, slow-cooked flavor! If you can, give it a little stir halfway through cooking to check on progress. Just be careful not to lift the lid too often, or you’ll lose precious heat!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for this *chili recipe crockpot*! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs in approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it’s loaded with 10g of fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Flavor-packed: Each ingredient melds together beautifully for a rich, satisfying taste.
- Healthy: Loaded with protein and fiber, it’s a hearty meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for family gatherings or cozy nights in with friends!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *chili recipe crockpot* turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the browning process—allow the beef to get nice and caramelized for that rich flavor. If you like a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra punch. And here’s a little secret: let the chili sit for a few hours after cooking, or even overnight in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—this is key for the perfect final touch!
Variations
The beauty of this *chili recipe crockpot* is that it’s so versatile! You can easily switch things up based on your mood or what you have on hand. For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—it’s lighter but still delicious. If you’re a bean lover, mix in pinto beans or chickpeas alongside the kidney and black beans for added texture. Want some heat? Toss in some diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce. You can also add corn for a sweet crunch or even a bit of cocoa powder for a subtle depth. The possibilities are endless—so let your creativity run wild and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this *chili recipe crockpot* is super easy! Just let the chili cool down a bit, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label your container with the date, so you know when it was made!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend warming it up on the stovetop over medium heat for the best texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to keep it nice and saucy. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats in this chili recipe crockpot?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats will work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger chunks of meat.
How should I store leftovers?
Let the chili cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it!
What if I want it spicier?
No problem! You can add more chili powder, or even throw in some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for lentils or additional beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
When you cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, the flavors will meld together beautifully! Just give it a stir and check the consistency before serving.
Chili Recipe Crockpot: 5 Secrets for Comforting Flavors
- Całkowity Czas: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and delicious chili recipe made in a crockpot.
Składniki
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instrukcje
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is soft.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Uwagi
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder.
- Serve with cheese and sour cream if desired.
- This chili tastes even better the next day.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 6 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Slow Cooking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 10g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: chili recipe crockpot
