Crock Pot Chili Recipe: Bold & Spicy Comfort Food Delight

Have you ever found yourself wrapped in the comforting aroma of a simmering crock pot chili recipe, with the tantalizing scents swirling around your kitchen? This sensation often transports me back to my childhood home, where the slow cooker would become the heart of our family gatherings. The warmth of the chili, combined with the laughter and stories shared, created a sense of togetherness that I cherish to this day.

In my kitchen, creating a crock pot chili recipe is more than just preparing a meal—it’s an experience that brings memories alive. Each ingredient, from the lean ground beef to the vibrant red bell pepper, plays a role in crafting a dish that feels like a warm hug. The crock pot chili recipe is a beloved staple, not only for its rich flavors but also for the ease and joy it brings in the making.

This crock pot chili recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets creativity. With just a handful of ingredients, including diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and a dash of hot sauce, you can transform your kitchen into a haven of delightful aromas and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

As you embark on this culinary journey, remember that a crock pot chili recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors, memories, and the joy of sharing food with those you love. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this comforting dish, and savor each step along the way.

Crock Pot Chili Recipe

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• Author: Billie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4-6 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Discover the ultimate Crock Pot Chili Recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights in. Learn how to make this classic dish with ease!

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (30 oz / 850 g total) kidney beans, rinsed well and drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans, rinsed well and drained
• 1 can (29 oz / 822 g) diced tomatoes, use the entire can, juice and all
• 3 oz (85 g) tomato paste
• 8 oz (227 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar or granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat until it’s nearly done, leaving a bit of pink remaining.
2. Combine the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic with the beef, stirring and cooking until the onion becomes see-through.
3. Move the cooked beef and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker.
4. Incorporate the kidney beans and pinto beans into the crockpot.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and hot sauce on top of the other ingredients.
6. Mix in the spices, including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and sugar, ensuring everything is well blended.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve the chili with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, or tortilla chips.

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Notes

• Consider using a mix of lean and regular ground beef for a more flavorful dish.
• Make sure to rinse and drain the kidney and pinto beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne to achieve your preferred level of spiciness.

Crock Pot Chili Recipe: Basics and Setup

Fundamentals

Creating a perfect crock pot chili recipe starts with understanding its core elements. The combination of lean ground beef and regular ground beef provides a balanced texture and flavor. The addition of diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic not only enhances the taste but also layers in depth and aroma.

Beans are a signature component of any classic crock pot chili recipe. In this version, kidney beans and pinto beans bring a hearty, protein-rich foundation. Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce deliver a robust, tangy base that complements the spices beautifully.

Preparation/Setup

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pan over medium heat, leaving a hint of pink for added flavor. Add diced onions, red bell pepper, and garlic to the pan, cooking until the onions turn translucent.

Transfer this mixture into a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker. Add the rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans, followed by diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and hot sauce, ensuring each ingredient is well distributed.

Mastering the Art of Crock Pot Chili

Technique

To achieve the best flavor from your crock pot chili recipe, it’s crucial to layer your spices correctly. Start by adding chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. These spices infuse the dish with a warm, smoky depth that defines a great chili.

Don’t forget to season with salt and ground black pepper, as these enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. A touch of brown sugar or granulated sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.

Tips/Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider letting your crock pot chili recipe cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a depth that’s hard to achieve with a faster cooking process. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours works well too.

Stir the chili occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot. If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the amount of cayenne or add more hot sauce to suit your taste.

Enhancing Your Crock Pot Chili Experience

Perfecting Results

Consistency is key when making a crock pot chili recipe. If your chili turns out too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth to adjust the texture. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Experimenting with different beans or adding corn can offer delightful variations. You might also like to try this casserole and one-pot meal for a change of pace or explore this shepherd’s pie dinner recipe for another comforting dish.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you encounter any issues, such as the chili tasting too acidic, adding a pinch more sugar can help balance it out. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Discovering the perfect balance for your taste is part of the fun!

For those who enjoy a twist on traditional flavors, consider trying this crockpot hot dog chili recipe to spice up your chili repertoire.

Serving and Enjoying Your Crock Pot Chili

Serving/Presentation

When it’s time to serve your crock pot chili recipe, presentation can elevate the experience. Offer a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. Serve alongside corn chips or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

For a complete meal, pair your chili with some sous vide butter-poached potatoes or these cheesy mashed potato puffs. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chili and offer a delightful contrast in texture.

Pairings/Storage

This crock pot chili recipe pairs well with a variety of sides and can be stored easily for future meals. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the original consistency. For more hearty dinner ideas, explore this best homemade sloppy joes recipe or try the best homemade meatloaf recipe for another comforting meal.

Conclusion

Crafting a crock pot chili recipe is a rewarding experience that combines simplicity, comfort, and flavor. With the right ingredients and a few hours of slow cooking, you can create a dish that warms both the body and soul. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, making it a staple in any kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or preparing it for a cozy night in, this chili delivers satisfaction in every bite. Its ability to be stored and reheated with ease adds to its utility, making it a go-to meal for busy days. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing this delightful crock pot chili recipe with your loved ones.

FAQs – Crock Pot Chili Recipe