Description

This hearty Crockpot Chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices slow-cooked to perfection, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Featuring a balanced blend of spices and flexible options for leaner meats or added heat, this chili is satisfying, easy to prepare, and ideal for cozy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)

Liquids and Broth

1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)

Spices

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat mixture into your crockpot as the base for the chili.
Add Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, diced green chilies (if using), and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine evenly.
Season the Chili: Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Stir well to distribute the spices throughout.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili about halfway through cooking and add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired for perfect flavor balance.
Serve: Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions. Pair it with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for an extra satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version of this chili.
For more heat, add extra diced green chilies or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium content and improve texture.
Cooking on low for longer allows the flavors to develop more fully and the meat to become very tender.
This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Leftover chili can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American