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Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy days. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices, this chili cooks slowly to develop rich flavors and tender textures. Ideal for a cozy family meal or casual gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef, lean or with a little marbling for flavor
  • 1 large onion (about 1 cup, 150g), diced finely
  • 2 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon, 6g), minced

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 2 cans (15 oz each, 850g total) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz, 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz, 794g) diced tomatoes, with the juice
  • 1 can (6 oz, 170g) tomato paste

Liquids and Spices

  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) black pepper, freshly cracked preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic to ensure they melt into the chili, giving it a smooth, flavorful base.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks to create a crumbly texture.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and beef broth into the crockpot.
  4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  6. Final Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if desired. Stir again to distribute any added spices.
  7. Serve Warm: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish as you like with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra touch.

Notes

  • Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium content from canned varieties.
  • Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor profile.
  • For a spicier chili, increase chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Leftover chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Can be adapted to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor but is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, easy chili recipe, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, hearty chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/easy-crockpot-chili-recipe/