Buckle up, folks! This crockpot chili is about to take your tastebuds on a wild ride. 🎢 We’re talking comfort food with a side of comedy – it’s like a one-woman show in your kitchen, and you’re the star. Get ready for some serious flavor and even more serious giggle fits. 😂
Why You’ll Love This crockpot chili
This chili is the ultimate hug in a bowl. Cozy, comforting, and packed with layers of mouthwatering flavors, it’s like a warm blanket for your soul. 🧡 But don’t be fooled by the humble ingredients – this bad boy has some serious sass. We’re talking dramatic pauses, unhinged reactions, and a side of “I can’t believe this is real” disbelief. 🤯 It’s the chili that’ll have your friends and family begging for seconds (and thirds, let’s be real).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your squad of all-star ingredients, because this chili is about to steal the show. 🌟 From the classic ground beef to the feisty blend of spices, every component is a scene-stealer. And don’t even get me started on the beans – they’re the true divas of this production. 😏 Prepare to be wowed by the perfect harmony of flavors. 🤌
- 1 lb — Ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can — Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can — Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can — Crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion — Diced
- 3 cloves — Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp — Chili powder
- 1 tsp — Ground cumin
- 1 tsp — Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp — Paprika
- 1/2 tsp — Salt
- 1/4 tsp — Black pepper
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Ground beef → Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Kidney and pinto beans → Any bean variety you love (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make crockpot chili (Step-by-Step)
Alright, folks, it’s showtime! 🎬 Grab your apron, your best “I’m a professional” face, and let’s get this chili party started. First up, we’ve got some pre-show prep work – sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re practically doing a little dance. 💃 Then it’s time for the main event: dumping everything into the crockpot and letting the magic happen. 🧙♀️ Just sit back, relax, and prepare for the most delicious drama you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting our diva ingredients ready for their big moment. Dice up that onion (careful, it might make you cry 😢) and mince the garlic. We want them to be the backup dancers, supporting the leading flavors with their subtle yet essential moves. 💃
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now for the main event! Toss everything – the ground beef, beans, tomatoes, spices, and more – into your trusty crockpot. It’s like we’re assembling the world’s most delicious cast. 🎭 Give it a good stir, then let the slow cooker work its magic. Sit back, relax, and get ready for the aroma to fill your kitchen. It’s gonna be a showstopper, I just know it. 🤩
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
As the chili simmers away, it’s time to set the stage for the grand finale. Ladle that thick, rich, flavor-packed chili into bowls, then let the toppings take center stage. 🌟 Shredded cheese, cool sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips – the possibilities are endless. It’s like we’re adding the final touches to a masterpiece. 👨🎨
How to Know It’s Done (No Guessing)
Alright, chili lovers, it’s time to put on our detective hats and figure out when this beauty is ready to steal the show. 🕵️♀️ Look for the telltale signs: a deep, rich color, a thick and velvety texture, and the aroma that’ll have your guests drooling before they even take a bite. 🤤 And if you’re still not sure, give it a taste – this chili is so flavorful, it’ll practically jump off the spoon and do a little dance for you. 💃
Look for
- A deep, rich color
- A thick, velvety texture
- An aroma that’ll have your guests drooling
Avoid
- Guessing the doneness
- Hoping for the best
If it’s too… here’s the fix
- Too watery — Just let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
- Too dry — Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Optional temp note (only if it makes sense): Not needed here — visual cues are enough.
What to Do If It Goes Wrong (Fix-It Guide)
Okay, let’s be real – even the best of us have our fair share of kitchen mishaps. 🤷♀️ But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. If this chili diva decides to throw a tantrum, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves.
- Too salty — Add a splash of broth or some extra beans to balance it out.
- Too dry — Grab that trusty ladle and add a bit more liquid until it’s back to its velvety self.
- Too runny — Let it simmer uncovered for a bit to thicken things up.
- Not browning — Not applicable for this recipe.
If you love mastering chili fixes and flavor adjustments, you might also enjoy these chili troubleshooting and cooking tips from Serious Eats.
Good news: almost everything is fixable. Panic is optional. 😌
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Smoky depth — Toss in a chipotle pepper or two. 🌶️ ✅
- Extra zing — Give it a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🌿 ✅
- Turkey or plant-based crumbles — Mix it up with a different protein. 🚀
- Get creative! — This chili is a blank canvas, so add your own unique flair. 🎨
Warning: This may cause sudden happiness and suspicious silence at the dinner table. Proceed responsibly. 😅
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Serve this chili up with all the fixings – crunchy tortilla chips, cool sour cream, sharp cheddar, and fresh cilantro. It’s like a party in a bowl! 🥳 |
| Fridge Storage | Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, just make sure to store them in an airtight container. 🧊 |
| Freezer Storage | Freeze this chili in individual portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat. Easy peasy! 🙌 |
| Reheating | To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Give it a good stir and enjoy! 🔥 |
Nutrition Notes
This crockpot chili is the ultimate comfort food, but don’t worry, it’s not going to derail your healthy eating plans. 👍 It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and a symphony of delicious spices. 🌶️ So go ahead, indulge in a big ol’ bowl – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 36 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
CROCKPOT CHILI FOR GAME DAY AND PARTIES 🏈
This hearty crockpot chili is a perfect meal for chilly evenings. Packed with beans, ground beef, and spices, it’s easy to make and full of flavor!
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. In the crockpot, add the cooked meat, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
6. Serve hot with optional toppings as desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with additional beans or lentils.
This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Shakes & Cool Treats 🥤
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili, crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food
Quick Questions People Always Ask
Absolutely! This chili is super versatile, so feel free to swap in your protein of choice. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles will work just as well, and you can adjust the seasoning to match the new star of the show. 👍
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, try adding a few diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicier chili powder or throw in a chipotle pepper. Just be careful, because a little bit of heat can go a long way! 🔥
You bet! This chili actually gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. 🙌 It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
If your chili is looking a little thin, no need to panic! Just let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also try mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken it up. 👌
The topping possibilities are endless, my friends! I love to load mine up with shredded cheese, cool sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, diced onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. 🌶️ Get creative and let your taste buds be your guide!