Crockpot Chili | Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (2024)

If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that practically cooks itself, you've come to the right place. Our Crockpot Chili recipe is a game-changer, offering a warm bowl of chili that's perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you crave a satisfying, one-pot dish.

Why You'll Love Chili In The Slow Cooker

• Effortless Cooking. This Crockpot chili recipe is a breeze to make. Toss everything in, set it, and forget it. No hovering over a hot stove is required!
• Rich and Hearty. You'll adore the rich, robust flavors that develop as this chili simmers away in your slow cooker. It's the ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile. This chili is like a blank canvas. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and it's perfect for gatherings, game days, or weeknight dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly. Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for those nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Do You Have To Brown Meat Before Using It In Slow Cooker Chili?

While browning meat before adding it to slow cooker chili is not strictly necessary, it can greatly enhance the flavor and texture of the chili.

If you choose not to brown the meat, simply crumble it and add it directly to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The chili will still cook and develop flavors over time, resulting in a tasty dish, albeit with a slightly different profile.

Why Does My Crockpot Chili Taste Bland?

If your crockpot chili tastes bland, there could be several reasons for this. Here are the most common factors that can contribute to bland chili and tips to enhance its flavor:

• Lack of Seasoning. Insufficient seasoning, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, can lead to bland chili. Chili relies on a combination of spices and seasonings for its distinctive flavor. Be sure to taste your chili during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Insufficient Cooking Time. Chili's flavor develops as it cooks. If you haven't allowed it to simmer long enough, the flavors may not have had time to meld and intensify. Try cooking it for a longer duration, ideally 4-8 hours on low heat in your crockpot.

Is Chili Better The Longer It Cooks?

the best cooking time for chili depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer the brighter, fresher taste of a shorter-cooked chili, while others love the depth and complexity that longer cooking provides.

Experimenting with different cooking times can help you discover your ideal chili flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

Chili is a beloved American classic, and this Crockpot version takes it to a whole new level. It's a marriage of ground beef, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices. Here's what you'll need:

• Ground Beef- Provides hearty meatiness to the chili.
• Onion and Garlic- For that aromatic base.
• Beans- A combination of pinto beans and kidney beans adds texture and additional protein.
• Beef Broth- Adds depth and richness to the broth.
• Tomato Paste- Gives a rich tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes- Provides a vibrant tomato flavor.
• Chili Powder- The star of the show, bringing warmth and depth to the dish.
• Ground Cumin- Adds earthiness and complements the chili powder.
• Ground Cinnamon- Surprisingly delightful, it gives a subtle sweet note.
• Ground Allspice and Cloves- These spices offer complexity and a hint of sweetness.
• Ground Cayenne Pepper- For those who like it spicy, adjust to taste.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses its unique flavor into the chili.
• Salt and Pepper- To season to perfection.

How To Make Crockpot Chili

1. Brown the Beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients. Transfer the cooked beef to your Crockpot. Add the beans, chopped onions, minced garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and all the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Slow Cook. Stir everything together in the Crockpot until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
4. Serve and Customize. Ladle your chili into bowls and get creative with toppings. Classic options include shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, and oyster crackers.

Tips And Tricks

• Sear the Beef. For extra flavor, sear the beef until it's browned and caramelized before adding it to the Crockpot.
• Adjust Spice. If you prefer mild chili, reduce the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add more to taste.
• Freeze Extra. This chili freezes wonderfully. Make a double batch and freeze in portions for quick, homemade meals later.
• Toppings Galore. Don't skimp on toppings! The right garnishes can take your chili from great to extraordinary.

Variations

• Bean Lover's Delight- Add your choice of kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for extra heartiness.
• Veggie Packed- Throw in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a veggie-loaded chili.
• Turkey Chili- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
• White Chicken Chili- Replace the beef with shredded chicken and use white beans instead.

What To Serve With Crockpot Chili

• Cornbread- A classic pairing. Serve with a slice of buttery cornbread or corn muffins.
• Rice- Spoon your chili over a bed of steamed rice for a filling meal.
• Fritos- Top Fritos corn chips with chili for a fun crunch.
• Baked Potato- Load up a baked potato with chili, cheese, and sour cream.

How Long Does It Last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Crockpot chili will last for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Crockpot chili. It's a convenient way to store leftovers or make a big batch for future meals. Here's how to freeze it:

• Cool It- Allow the chili to cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the Crockpot in an ice bath in your sink.
• Portion- Decide how much chili you want in each portion. You can use freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic freezer bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Pack It- Ladle the chili into the containers or bags, making sure to remove any excess air. Seal them tightly.
• Label and Date- Use a marker to label each container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of freshness.
• Freeze- Place the containers or bags in the freezer. Try to lay them flat to maximize storage space and ensure even freezing.

Properly frozen Crockpot chili can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chicken Saag
• Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

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Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

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