Are you craving a hearty, flavorful chili but short on time? This crock pot chili recipe is the perfect solution! It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with rich taste, and completely skips the beans – perfect for those who prefer a thicker, meatier chili experience. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, providing a delicious and healthy meal without hours of kitchen prep. It’s one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, making it a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a healthier option)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your chili.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (and turkey, if using) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This ensures a richer flavor and prevents a greasy chili.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
- Slow cook to perfection: Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chili:
- Don't overcook the meat: Browning the beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker helps prevent a watery chili.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping and making ahead for busy weeks.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn.
- Spice it up: For a spicier chili, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili, lentils, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Crock Pot Chili recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, a family dinner, or a cozy night in. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. Enjoy!