📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Crafting the Perfect Simple Crockpot Chili
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/setup
- Mastering Your Crockpot Chili
- Technique
- Tips/tricks
- Elevating Your Chili Experience
- Perfecting results
- Troubleshooting/variations
- Serving Your Crockpot Chili
- Serving/presentation
- Pairings/storage
- Conclusion
- FAQs – Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe
Some of my most treasured memories unfold in the kitchen, where the simple act of cooking brings people together. One of those cherished dishes is my Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe. Creating meals like this isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul and crafting moments that linger long after the last bite.
The first time I made this Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe, I was struck by how effortlessly it came together. The aroma of spices and simmering tomatoes filled the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen like a culinary beacon. It reminded me that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
Through the years, this Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for sharing stories and laughter around the table. I hope it brings the same joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover how to make a delicious and easy crockpot chili with our simple recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) lean ground beef, (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp (10 ml) cumin powder
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp (8 ml) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) black pepper
- 15 oz (425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz (850 g) kidney beans, two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz (850 g) diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz (283 g) diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz (850 g) tomato sauce
Instructions
- Put a large pan on medium-high heat and cook the beef until it begins to brown and crumble (approximately 4-5 minutes), using a spatula to break it apart.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until it softens (about 4-5 minutes). Then, incorporate the minced garlic and spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for another 30 seconds. Move everything into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Introduce the rest of the ingredients into the slow cooker: the beans that have been rinsed and drained, diced tomatoes with their liquid, the diced tomatoes and green chilis with their liquid, and the tomato sauce. Mix everything together and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Adjust seasoning to your preference before serving warm.
Notes
- Consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilis for a more robust flavor profile.
- Add a touch of smokiness by incorporating smoked paprika into the spice mix.
- Experiment with different beans like pinto or black-eyed peas for varied texture and taste.
Crafting the Perfect Simple Crockpot Chili
Fundamentals
Creating a Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe begins with understanding the basics of chili-making. Start by selecting the right ground beef. Opt for lean ground beef, either 90/10 or 93/7, to ensure a hearty yet healthy base. The spices—cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano—infuse the dish with depth and complexity, while the combination of black beans and kidney beans adds texture and protein.
Preparation/setup
The preparation of this Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe is straightforward. Cook the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat until it begins to brown and crumble. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, then incorporate the minced garlic and spices. These steps lay the foundation for a chili that’s rich in flavor and aroma. Move everything into your trusty slow cooker and add the beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic, filling your home with the irresistible fragrance of simmering chili.
Mastering Your Crockpot Chili
Technique
Perfecting the technique for a Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe involves patience and attention to detail. Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned before adding the onion and garlic, as this enhances the meat’s flavor. Stirring in the spices just before transferring everything to the slow cooker ensures they bloom, releasing essential oils that deepen the chili’s flavor profile.
Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe
Tips/tricks
For optimal results with your Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe, consider a few helpful tips. Always rinse and drain canned beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture. If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate. This method intensifies flavors and achieves the desired consistency.
Elevating Your Chili Experience
Perfecting results
Achieving perfection in a Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe requires balancing flavors and textures. Taste throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. The interplay between the spices and tomatoes creates a harmonious blend that should satisfy the palate without overwhelming it.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe seems too spicy, a touch of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice can mellow the heat. For those who crave variety, consider adding corn or bell peppers for a sweet contrast. Or, if you’re exploring other hearty dishes, try this Chili Verde Burrito for a different flavor profile.
Serving Your Crockpot Chili
Serving/presentation
Present your Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe with garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide contrasting flavors and textures. Serve in deep bowls to keep the chili warm and inviting throughout the meal.
Pairings/storage
Pair your Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. This chili also complements a variety of side dishes, such as a crisp green salad. For storage, allow the chili to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick, satisfying meal.
Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Simple Crockpot Chili Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that brings comfort and joy. The ease of preparation and rich flavors make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this chili is sure to become a beloved staple. Its versatility and hearty nature highlight the strengths of slow cooking, offering a delicious, warming meal each time you prepare it.
For more hearty, comforting dishes, check out our Venison Cowboy Stew Recipe or explore the Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe. And if you’re curious about different chili styles, this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili Recipe offers a unique twist on a classic favorite. Each recipe promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
