The Best Crockpot Chili
Making the best crockpot chili is like creating a savory masterpiece that slowly comes together with each ingredient. It starts with tender ground beef, flavorful bacon, and a mix of spices, all simmered together with fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and aromatic seasonings. The slow cooking process allows everything to blend perfectly, resulting in a rich, comforting chili that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy family meal. It’s a guaranteed favorite that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 5 Strips Bacon (chopped): The chopped bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chili, infusing it with savory depth.
- 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef (80-85% lean): Ground beef with an 80-85% lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for chili, providing a balance of meaty texture and juiciness.
- 1 Large Onion (chopped): Chopped onion serves as a foundational ingredient, lending natural sweetness and depth to the chili base.
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Minced garlic adds pungent, aromatic notes that enhance the overall complexity of the chili.
- 1 Green Pepper (roughly chopped): The roughly chopped green pepper adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of bitterness to balance the richness of the chili.
- 1 (10 oz) Can Rotel: Rotel, a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies, brings a spicy kick and tangy zest to the chili.
- 1 (14.5 oz) Can Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (undrained): Fire-roasted tomatoes, with their smoky, charred flavor, intensify the depth of the chili.
- ¼ Cup Tomato Paste: Tomato paste serves as a thickening agent, enriching the chili with concentrated tomato flavor and a velvety texture.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the chili. It helps to meld all the ingredients together, ensuring a well-balanced and savory dish.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity with its umami-rich flavor profile.
- 1 (14 oz) Can Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained): Kidney beans add texture and heartiness to the chili, along with plant-based protein and fiber.
- 1 (14 oz) Can of Black Beans (rinsed and drained): Black beans contribute creamy texture and additional protein to the chili, along with their earthy flavor.
- 2 Cups Beef Broth: Beef broth serves as the liquid base for the chili, imparting rich, meaty flavor and adding depth to the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp Cumin: Cumin brings warm, earthy notes to the chili, enhancing its depth of flavor.
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder: Chili powder is essential for its robust flavor and mild heat, giving the chili its signature taste.
- ⅛ Tsp Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick of heat to the chili, enhancing its spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika contributes a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the overall richness of the chili.
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the natural sweetness of the chili.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CROCKPOT CHILI?
Time needed: 4 hours and 25 minutes
- Fry Bacon and Saute the Ground Beef:
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, using the rendered bacon fat, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Sauté over medium heat until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add the cooked bacon, undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Stir in the salt, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything well. - Slow Cook and Serve:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili is ready when it’s thickened and flavors are well combined.
Once the chili is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal! - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chili is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Slow cooker chili typically cooks on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and desired consistency.
It’s recommended to brown ground meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps enhance the flavor and texture of the chili by caramelizing the meat and reducing excess
Yes, beans and vegetables can be added at the beginning of cooking in a slow cooker. However, if you prefer firmer vegetables, you may add them halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
To thicken slow cooker chili, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a slurry of cornstarch or flour with water and stir it into the chili until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
WHAT IS BEST SERVED WITH A HEARTY CHILI RECIPE?
A crockpot chili is yummy by itself, but it’s even better with stuff on the side. You can have cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips to scoop it up. Sour cream cools down the spicy kick, and cheese makes it extra creamy. Green onions add a little crunch, and avocado slices make it super smooth. These sides make the chili even tastier, giving you lots of different flavors and textures to enjoy!
what are THE BEST TOPPINGS for hearty chili?
The best toppings for a hearty chili turn a comforting dish into an irresistible feast. Melted shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, rich layer that pairs perfectly with the hearty chili. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt cools things down with its smooth tang. Freshly chopped green onions and cilantro give a pop of color and a hint of freshness, while diced avocado or a squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors. For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle on some tortilla chips or crushed crackers. These toppings not only make the chili taste amazing but also let everyone customize their bowl to their liking!
HOW do you STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER chili?
To store and reheat leftover Crockpot Chili, just follow these simple steps. Let the chili cool, then pop it into airtight containers and stash them in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, use the microwave: heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth. Enjoy your cozy, delicious chili all over again!
CAN leftover slow-cooker CHILI BE FROZEN for later consumption?
Freezing leftover slow-cooker chili is a smart way to save it for another day without losing any of its deliciousness. Once your chili has cooled down, transfer it into containers or zip-top bags that are safe for the freezer. Leave a bit of room at the top for expansion, then seal them tightly and label with the date. Your frozen chili will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Heat it up on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. Add a little water or broth if it thickens too much. It’s an easy way to have a comforting meal whenever you want!
MORE CROCKPOT RECIPES TO ENJOY… Check them out!
The Best Crockpot Chili
Equipment
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 5 Strips Bacon (chopped)
- 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef (80-85% lean)
- 1 Large Onion (chopped)
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Green Pepper (roughly chopped)
- 1 (10 oz) Can Rotel
- 1 (14.5 oz) Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes (undrained)
- ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
- ½ Tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14 oz) Can Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (14 oz) Can Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 Cups Beef Broth
- 2 Tbsp Cumin
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- ⅛ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, using the rendered bacon fat, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Sauté over medium heat until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add the cooked bacon, undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the salt, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The chili is ready when it’s thickened and flavors are well combined.
- Serve: Once the chili is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
- Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!