Get ready to warm up your taste buds with this delicious Crock Pot Chili recipe. Perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings, this hearty chili is packed with savory flavors and comforting ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of beef or turkey, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. Join us as we dive into the world of slow-cooked goodness and discover how to make this comforting classic from scratch. Plus, we’ll explore tips, variations, and answer your most frequently asked questions!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 15.5-ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15.5-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and transfer the meat to your Crock Pot.
- Saute the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the onion and garlic to the Crock Pot.
- Combine Ingredients:
- To the Crock Pot, add the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes and green chilies, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and ground cayenne. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Protein:
- Feel free to use your choice of ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken for this recipe. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.
- Add More Heat:
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or ground cayenne. You can also add diced jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Smokier:
- Enhance the smoky flavor of the chili by adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder.
- Low Carb Version:
- For a low-carb version of this chili, omit the beans and brown sugar. You can also reduce the amount of tomato paste to lower the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover chili in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: What toppings go well with chili? A: There are endless topping options for chili! Some popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or even a squeeze of lime juice.
Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of using a Crock Pot? A: Absolutely! Simply follow the same instructions, but instead of transferring everything to a Crock Pot, simmer the chili in a large pot on the stove over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Crock Pot Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and effortless preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd on game day, this chili is guaranteed to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade chili today!
More Tips and Tricks:
- Serve with Cornbread:
- Pair this chili with homemade cornbread or corn muffins for a classic and comforting meal.
- Double the Recipe:
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for meal prep throughout the week. Simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and use a larger Crock Pot.
- Experiment with Toppings:
- Get creative with your chili toppings by offering a variety of options for your guests to customize their bowls. Set up a chili bar with an assortment of toppings for everyone to enjoy!
- Share the Joy:
- Share this delicious recipe with friends and family and spread the joy of homemade Crock Pot Chili. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm hearts and bring smiles to faces!
