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Crockpot Chili Recipe

Crockpot Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Chili recipe combines lean ground beef, Italian sausage, a variety of beans, and a robust blend of spices slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for a comforting meal, this chili is packed with rich flavors and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (or spicy Italian sausage or ground beef)

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 30 ounces kidney beans, rinsed well and drained (2 cans, 15 oz each)
  • 15 ounces pinto beans, rinsed well and drained (1 can)

Tomatoes and Sauces

  • 29 ounces diced tomatoes (use the entire can, juice and all)
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Brown meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until mostly cooked through, leaving a little pink is acceptable for slow cooking.
  2. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Continue cooking over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
  3. Transfer to crockpot: Move the meat and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
  4. Add beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans into the crockpot, spreading them evenly.
  5. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and hot sauce to build the chili’s base flavors.
  6. Add spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
  7. Slow cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and prevent sticking.
  8. Serve: Once cooked, serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, or tortilla chips to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use lean meats to reduce fat and make the chili healthier.
  • For a spicier chili, increase the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
  • This chili can be made a day ahead to deepen the flavors when refrigerated overnight.
  • Leftovers freeze well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace meats with extra beans and vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if needed.

Nutrition

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

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