Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This chili features high-quality ingredients, like lean ground beef and rich, ripe tomatoes, giving it a hearty flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: With minimal steps, just brown the meat, mix, and let the crockpot do the work. Perfect for busy days!
- Nutrition: Packed with beans and tomatoes, this recipe is nutritious, providing protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Versatility: Customize to your taste with toppings or spices. You can easily adjust flavors to delight your guests!
- Presentation: Serve in bowls topped with cheese or avocado for a colorful and inviting dish. It’s visually appealing and delicious!
This recipe is sure to be a favorite!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 7-8 hours
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed (two 15oz cans)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef with spices.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilis, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in large bowls to show off the chili’s colorful ingredients.
- Accompaniments: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for guests to customize their bowls.
- Portions: This recipe feeds a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
- Beverage Pairing: Pair with a light beer or a refreshing lemonade to balance the spiciness.
Your guests will love the personal touch!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Customization: For a spicier kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch!
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a plant-based option.
- Spicy Chili: Add more chili powder or a chipotle pepper for a smoky, spicy flair.
- Tex-Mex Chili: Mix in corn and serve with tortilla strips to give it a fun twist!
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion out the chili in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to thaw it before cooking. Frozen beans can also be added directly.
2. Is this chili suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is relatively low in carbs, especially if you skip the beans or choose low-carb substitutes.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can brown the meat and chop your vegetables a day in advance, storing them until you’re ready to cook.
4. How can I customize the chili?
Feel free to swap ingredients like beans or spices to match your taste. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
5. Are there other cooking methods?
Yes! You can make this chili on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients for about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Crockpot chili is not only a comforting dish, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to game-day gatherings. With this easy recipe, you’ll impress everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a warm bowl of chili that brings people together!
Crockpot Chili
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef with spices.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into your slow cooker.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilis, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
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