Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable and effortless Crock Pot Chili. This recipe is specifically designed for busy individuals and families who crave a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just about 15 minutes of initial preparation, your slow cooker will handle the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting chili that’s mild enough for everyone to enjoy but still bursting with savory goodness. Get ready to discover your new favorite slow cooker sensation!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to make a chilly day feel cozy and complete. For those hectic weekdays, crock pot soups and chilis are absolute lifesavers! If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make meals, you might also love our Chicken Wild Rice Soup, Crockpot Potato Soup, and Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup.
As soon as the temperatures drop, my thoughts immediately turn to chili. It’s a classic comfort food that truly embodies warmth and home. In fact, my daughter is such a huge fan that she often requests this particular recipe, and I’m always happy to oblige. While our kitchen has no shortage of chili recipes, this specific crock pot version stands out due to its incredible simplicity and unmatched flavor. It’s the one I turn to most often because it consistently delivers a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its slow cooker preparation. Imagine starting your day by simply combining a few ingredients, then letting your crock pot work its magic while you go about your day. By evening, you’re greeted with the aroma of a wonderfully rich chili, ready to be served. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the constant monitoring.
To complete your cozy dinner, serve this savory chili alongside our popular Corn Muffin Recipe or with a slice of Sour Cream Cornbread. These pairings are absolute perfection and make dinner an absolute breeze!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Crock Pot Chili
Creating an exceptional chili starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for our delicious Crock Pot Chili:
- Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but any cooking oil you have on hand, such as vegetable or canola, will work perfectly for sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion and Garlic: These foundational ingredients are non-negotiable! They provide a robust aromatic base that builds the core flavor profile of your chili. Don’t skip these for maximum deliciousness.
- Ground Beef: For a healthier option, I recommend using leaner ground beef, at least 90% lean. If you opt for a fattier cut, remember to thoroughly drain any excess grease after browning to prevent an oily chili. This ensures a cleaner, more balanced flavor.
- Pinto Beans and Kidney Beans: This classic bean combination delivers a satisfying texture and earthy flavor. However, chili is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite beans! Black beans or cannellini beans also make excellent additions.
- Tomato Sauce: This forms the rich liquid base of your chili, contributing to its comforting consistency and depth of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: There’s no need to drain these! The juices from the can add extra liquid and a vibrant tomato tang, enhancing the overall body of the chili.
- Aromatic Spices: Chili Powder, Oregano, Cumin, Garlic Powder: This carefully balanced blend of spices is designed to infuse your chili with layers of complex flavor without overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust the quantities to match your personal spice preference – a little extra chili powder can add a pleasant kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This often-underestimated ingredient is a true game-changer. It adds a subtle umami depth, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony and creating a more sophisticated taste.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, offers a customizable hint of heat. Add more if you like it spicy, or a little less for a milder family-friendly option.
- Pepperoncini Liquid: This is our secret ingredient! Years ago, I discovered the magic of adding just a tablespoon of the briny liquid from a jar of pepperoncinis. It provides a unique tang and brightness that elevates this chili from good to truly exceptional. Don’t skip it – it’s a small addition with a big impact!
- Water: Use water to adjust the chili’s consistency to your liking. Add more for a thinner, soupier chili, or less for a thicker, heartier stew. You could also use beef broth for added depth of flavor.
Simple Steps to Your Best Slow Cooker Chili
Making this Crock Pot Chili is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor. While there’s a small amount of upfront prep, the convenience of letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting makes it all worthwhile.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Begin by heating your chosen olive oil in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes a few minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Finally, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to brown the beef thoroughly until it’s cooked through and no pink remains. This crucial step develops a rich base flavor before the beef goes into the slow cooker. If you used a fattier ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat at this point.
- Combine All Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Once your beef mixture is ready, transfer it directly into your large slow cooker. Add the pinto beans and kidney beans (remembering to drain and rinse them first), the tomato sauce, and the diced tomatoes (no need to drain these). Sprinkle in the chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic powder. Finally, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and that secret ingredient – the pepperoncini liquid. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the spices and flavors are well combined. If the chili appears too thick for your preference, you can thin it slightly by stirring in the water.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting. Allow the chili to cook for at least 4 hours. The beauty of slow cooking is that the flavors deepen and meld beautifully the longer it simmers, so you can comfortably let it cook all day long, even up to 8 hours on low.
- Serve and Garnish: When you’re ready to eat, ladle generous portions of the hot chili into bowls. Now comes the fun part – customize each serving with an array of your favorite chili toppings!
The Best Chili Toppings for a Personalized Bowl
One of the best parts about serving chili is the endless possibilities for toppings! There are truly no rules, so feel free to unleash your creativity and customize your bowl exactly how you like it. Here are some of my favorite ideas to get you started:
- Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend
- A generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast
- Diced fresh avocados for a buttery, cool element
- Freshly diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness
- Thinly sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for an extra kick
- Crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos for texture and scoop-ability
- Finely diced red onion for a sharp, fresh bite
- Sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color
- Fresh lime wedges to squeeze over for a bright, zesty finish
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chili Every Time
- Stovetop Adaptation: No slow cooker? No problem! This chili can easily be made on the stovetop. After browning the beef and aromatics, combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or even longer for deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If it gets too thick, add a little more water or beef broth.
- The Pepperoncini Secret: I truly believe the secret to this chili’s unparalleled flavor lies in that small amount of liquid from a jar of pepperoncinis. It adds a subtle acidity and a unique, tangy depth that transforms the chili from merely good to truly outstanding. Do not skip this ingredient – it makes all the difference!
- Adjusting Thickness: This recipe yields a delightfully thick chili, perfect for hearty appetites. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more tomato sauce or a splash of water or beef broth until it reaches your desired texture.
- Customizing Spice Level: Our recipe is designed to be family-friendly with a mild flavor profile. If you crave more heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder, add extra hot sauce, or even stir in some cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also offer additional hot sauce at the table for individual customization.
- Better the Next Day: Like many stews and hearty dishes, this chili develops even more robust and complex flavors after a day in the refrigerator. The ingredients have more time to meld, resulting in an even richer taste. So don’t hesitate to make a big batch for delicious leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chili
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. This chili should be cooked on low for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure the beef is tender and the flavors have developed. However, like many great chilis, it truly benefits from longer cooking times. You can comfortably let it simmer on low all day, for 6 to 8 hours. This prolonged cooking allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks or parties where guests can serve themselves throughout the evening.
If you’re a fan of spicy chili, there are several ways to kick up the heat! Start by increasing the amount of chili powder and hot sauce in the recipe. For even more fire, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onions. You can also offer extra hot sauce, sliced fresh jalapeños, or even a dash of ghost pepper flakes for those who dare, allowing everyone to customize their individual bowls.
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for feeding a crowd and doubles very easily. The primary consideration will be the size of your slow cooker. Ensure you have a large enough slow cooker (typically a 7-quart or larger) or be prepared to use two smaller ones if doubling. While it’s slightly harder to halve the recipe due to leftover can ingredients, the good news is that chili freezes exceptionally well, and it tastes even better the next day, so you’ll definitely want those leftovers!
Yes, this chili freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. For bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until thoroughly warmed through. It will taste just as delicious as when it was freshly made!
More Delicious Chili Recipes to Explore:
If you’ve loved this Crock Pot Chili, be sure to check out these other fantastic chili variations for every taste and occasion:
- White Chicken Chili
- Ground Turkey Chili
- Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
- Cincinnati Chili Recipe
- Pumpkin Chili
Recommended Tools for Your Chili Adventure:
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Here are a couple of essentials for making this Crock Pot Chili:
- Slow Cooker: Of course, a reliable slow cooker is key! I use one similar to this model, and I absolutely adore it. Its versatility with low, medium, and high heat settings makes it incredibly convenient for a variety of recipes.
- Large Skillet: You’ll need a good skillet to brown your ground beef and sauté the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker. A durable cast iron skillet is always an excellent investment for its even heat distribution and long-lasting quality.
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Crock Pot Chili
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Tobasco
- 1 tablespoon liquid from a jar of pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup water
- Shredded cheese and sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook, just until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Place the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes in a large slow cooker. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, cumin and garlic powder. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and pepper liquid. If the chili is too thick, stir in the water.
- Cook on low for at least 4 hours, but it can cook on low all day long!
- Serve topped with your favorite chili toppings.
Video
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
Calories: 286kcal,
Carbohydrates: 20g,
Protein: 20g,
Fat: 14g,
Saturated Fat: 11g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 34mg,
Sodium: 775mg,
Fiber: 41g,
Sugar: 5g