Description
This Crockpot Chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices in a slow cooker. The low-and-slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty chili with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that's great on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, tomato paste, and sugar (if using) to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the chili is thick and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months—perfect for make-ahead meals.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg