The Heartiest Crockpot Chili Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Decades of culinary experimentation led me to this incredible crockpot chili recipe that changed everything about comfort cooking.

My grandmother’s secret techniques blended perfectly with modern slow-cooking methods.

Hearty ingredients mingle seamlessly, creating depth beyond typical one-pot meals.

Rich spices dance through tender meat and robust beans, promising incredible flavor in every single bite.

Weekend gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and warms souls.

Winter afternoons call for meals that comfort and nourish without complicated preparation.

I promise this recipe will become your go-to crowd-pleaser that everyone requests again and again.

Crockpot Chili That Cooks Low And Comforts Big

Slow-Cooker Convenience: Effortlessly prepare a hearty meal with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine robust spices and smoky elements to create a deeply satisfying chili that tastes like it simmered all day with minimal effort.

Customizable Comfort: Top with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to personalize this classic dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and game-day gatherings.

Time-Saving Magic: Set it and forget it – the crockpot does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal with zero stress.

Crockpot Chili Essential Mix

• Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation that provides hearty flavor and texture to the chili.

• Green Bell Pepper, Yellow Onion, Garlic: Classic vegetable trio that creates deep, savory base notes and aromatic foundation.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Ground Chipotle, Cayenne Pepper: Complex spice mix that delivers warm, smoky, and slightly spicy character to the dish. Fresh, high-quality spices make a significant difference in flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and intensifying overall taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and subtle tangy complexity.
• Liquid Smoke (Optional): Provides additional smoky dimension for those wanting deeper flavor.

• Kidney Beans: Classic chili legume that offers protein, texture, and hearty substance.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides natural acidity, moisture, and bright tomato flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Helps create rich, thick consistency and deepens overall tomato base.

Crockpot Chili Recipe How-To

Step 1: Sizzle and Spice the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and brown the ground beef.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor while cooking.

Break the beef into small crumbly pieces as it cooks to ensure even seasoning.

Step 2: Transfer and Layer the Ingredients

Move the browned beef into the crockpot.

• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Awaken the Flavor Profile

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoky chipotle
• Dash of cayenne
• Worcestershire sauce
• Liquid smoke

Step 4: Create the Hearty Base

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything thoroughly to combine all components.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crispy tortilla strips.

Enjoy the delicious comfort food!

Crockpot Chili Best Advice

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent excess liquid in the chili.
• Adjust cayenne and chipotle levels to control heat intensity, catering to different spice preferences.
• Rinse canned kidney beans to reduce sodium and eliminate excess starch for a cleaner taste profile.
• Let chili rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.
• Experiment with garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado to elevate the dish's texture and flavor.

Crockpot Chili Can Be Stored And Rewarmed The Right Way

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 3-4 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating throughout.
• Transfer chili to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.

Ideal Matches for Crockpot Chili

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel complements the rich, spicy chili perfectly, cutting through the meaty flavors with its tannic structure.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a hearty amber ale or dark porter that matches the chili's depth, enhancing the smoky chipotle and providing a malty counterpoint.
• Cooling Dairy Topping: Top with tangy sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt to balance the chili's heat, creating a smooth contrast that softens the spicy kick.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions to add bright, fresh notes that lift the heavy chili and provide a zesty, clean finish.

Award Winning Turkey Chili Spins

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially Worcestershire sauce, and check seasoning labels.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat protein alternative.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or eliminate cayenne for mild heat, or add more chipotle and fresh jalapeños for extra kick.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili without a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook this chili in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and chipotle. Remove these spices completely for a mild version.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute. It will work perfectly in this chili recipe and provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including black beans, diced chicken, or even crumbled tofu. You can also top with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for additional protein boost.

Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Chili brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings, blending rich spices with tender meat and beans. Slow-cooked perfection awaits when you savor this soul-satisfying meal that promises delicious memories with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground chipotle
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)

Canned Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef, infusing it with a robust seasoning blend of salt and pepper.
2. Carefully transfer the seared meat into the crockpot, creating a rich foundational layer for the hearty chili.
3. Incorporate the vibrant diced bell peppers, aromatic onions, and pungent minced garlic into the meat mixture.
4. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing a complex spice combination: chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky chipotle, fiery cayenne, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and deep liquid smoke.
5. Gently fold in the protein-packed kidney beans, succulent diced tomatoes, and velvety tomato sauce, ensuring a thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
6. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the chili to simmer and meld flavors on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3-4 hours until ingredients are tender and harmoniously blended.
7. When ready to serve, ladle the steaming chili into bowls and personalize with an array of favorite garnishes for an ultimate comfort meal experience.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili base.
• Sauté vegetables before adding to the crockpot to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper flavor profiles.
• Adjust spice levels by gradually adding cayenne and chipotle, tasting as you go to control heat intensity.
• For vegetarian options, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, maintaining rich protein content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg