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This hearty crockpot chili is perfect for warming up on chilly days and is a crowd-pleaser for parties and game days. It comes together easily and allows you to customize with your favorite toppings for endless flavor options.
I first made this during a busy weeknight, and now it’s a staple my family requests whenever the weather turns cold. The slow cooker makes it effortless to have a hot meal ready when you need it.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef and/or Italian sausage: two pounds for rich protein and hearty texture choose fresh quality meat
- Yellow onion: diced for sweetness and aroma select firm onions without soft spots
- Red bell pepper: seeded and chopped adds color and mild sweetness any color works well
- Garlic cloves: minced bring depth and warmth fresh garlic is best
- Beans: combination of kidney and pinto beans for creamy texture and nutrition rinse well
- Canned diced tomatoes tomato sauce and tomato paste: build the tomato base for balanced acidity and richness
- Worcestershire sauce: adds savory complexity look for a quality brand
- Beef broth: creates perfect consistency choose low sodium if preferred
- Hot sauce: to taste for heat and punch pick your favorite variety
- Chili powder ground cumin smoked paprika cayenne salt and pepper: create layered spice notes use fresh spices for best results
- Brown sugar: balances acidity and rounds flavors a small amount makes a big difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Meat:
- Brown the ground beef and/or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned. This step builds deep flavor for the chili base.
- Cook Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion chopped bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant about five minutes.
- Combine in Crockpot:
- Transfer the meat and vegetables to your 6-quart crockpot. Add diced tomatoes tomato sauce tomato paste rinsed beans beef broth Worcestershire sauce hot sauce and all spices. Stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for at least two hours or low for four hours or more. The flavors deepen the longer it cooks so feel free to extend cooking time.
- Serve with Toppings:
- Spoon chili into bowls and offer toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese avocado jalapeños cilantro and crispy bacon. Each adds a fresh or smoky contrast to the hearty chili.
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You Must Know
Sharp cheddar cheese is my favorite topping it melts beautifully and adds richness. One family favorite memory is eating this chili on a chilly winter night with homemade tortillas slathered in butter the warmth and flavors made it unforgettable.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within four days. For longer storage cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage for a lighter option. Swap beans with black beans or chickpeas for different textures. Vegetables like zucchini or carrots can be added for extra nutrition and color. Use vegetable broth for a dairy-free or lighter base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm homemade flour tortillas slathered in butter for a decadent side. Cornbread or biscuits soak up the chili beautifully. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool the spice. A side salad with bright citrus dressing balances the hearty meal.
Cultural Context
Chili con carne is a beloved American classic with Tex-Mex roots. It embodies comfort food culture with its rich flavors and versatility. This slow cooker version makes it accessible for busy modern kitchens while preserving traditional depth.
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Pro Tips
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of meat works best for crockpot chili?
Lean ground beef or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage delivers the best texture and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or plant-based options.
- → How long should I cook chili in the crockpot?
Cook on high for at least 2 hours or on low for 4–6 hours. The flavor deepens the longer it simmers.
- → Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely—adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo for extra heat.
- → What are the best toppings for chili?
Try shredded cheddar, tortilla chips, avocado, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, or even crispy bacon for extra richness.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.