If you’re ready to cozy up with a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any day of the week, you’ve come to the right place. The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying chili experience that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat. With a perfect balance of spices, tender meats, and hearty beans simmered to perfection, this chili is guaranteed to become your go-to comfort food that will warm your soul and impress your friends and family every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chili sing. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and warmth, turning humble pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings juicy, savory richness as the chili’s meaty foundation.
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey: Adds a subtle flavor twist and extra protein for tender, hearty bites.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Infuses sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent aromatic base that elevates all the spices.
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: Delivers vibrant color and a fresh, juicy texture to the sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy body to the chili.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for a deep, luscious backdrop.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds comforting creaminess and fiber.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers contrasting texture and earthiness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances moisture and depth with savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that delivers warm heat and classic chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds smoky earthiness for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky hint that makes the chili magical.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of fiery kick if you like it spicy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right peppery bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the onion beautifully.
- Shredded cheese: Perfect topping for melty, creamy goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds cooling creaminess to balance any heat.
- Chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, crisp finish.
- Tortilla chips: Great for scooping or adding crunchy contrast.
How to Make Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, the ground pork or turkey, and diced onion. Cook everything together until the meat is beautifully browned and the onions have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step layers in essential savory flavors and textures that form the chili’s delicious base. Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
Step 2: Transfer to the Crockpot
Once the meat and onion mixture is ready, move it into your crockpot. This is when your chili begins its slow, magical transformation into a rich, tender dish that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Follow with the kidney beans and black beans for heartiness. Add the beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and the optional cayenne pepper if you love a bit of heat. Season with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so all those incredible flavors mingle together, setting the stage for slow-cooked perfection.
Step 4: Set the Crockpot and Let it Cook
Cover your crockpot and set to low. Let your chili cook gently for 6 to 8 hours, allowing all the spices to infuse fully and the meat to become tender. If you’re short on time, opt for the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, patience pays off with a bowl of chili that’s downright irresistible.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give your chili a good stir, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or chili powder can boost those flavors right where you want them.
How to Serve Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The fun doesn’t stop when the chili is done. Top your bowl with shredded cheese to add gooey, melty richness. A dollop of sour cream will cool any spice, while chopped green onions brighten up each bite with a fresh crunch. Don’t forget a handful of crunchy tortilla chips to scoop and savor every last drop.
Side Dishes
To elevate the meal, serve your Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe alongside cornbread or a warm crusty bread. Both are perfect for soaking up the sauce. A simple green salad can balance the meal with some crispness and freshness, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow guests? Serve the chili over baked potatoes or atop a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying twist. You can also transform it into chili nachos by layering it over tortilla chips with cheese, then broiling until bubbly. These creative ideas make your Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe even more memorable and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your chili will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftover bowls even tastier as time goes on.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For convenience, the microwave works well too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it evenly hot and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of meat in this Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! While using both ground beef and pork or turkey adds more flavor complexity, feel free to use just beef or just turkey if that’s what you have on hand. The chili will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to soak dry beans for this recipe?
No soaking is needed since this recipe uses canned beans. They’re a huge time saver and perfectly tender after slow cooking with the rest of the ingredients.
How spicy is this chili? Can I make it milder?
The chili has a moderate warmth thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder chili, simply omit the cayenne and reduce the chili powder slightly. You can always add heat later with hot sauce or fresh jalapeños as you serve.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the meats for extra beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get a hearty and satisfying chili experience.
What’s the best way to thicken my chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili seems too liquidy after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stirring in a small spoonful of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry can help thicken it quickly.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting, homey feel of the Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe bubbling away, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and satisfies every craving for warmth and flavor. Give it a try—I’m sure it’ll quickly become your family’s favorite chili to enjoy all year round!
Print
Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with a mix of ground beef and pork or turkey, simmered slowly with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for easy meal prep, it combines savory and spicy elements to create a comforting chili ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and served with tortilla chips, it makes for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tomato and Beans
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, ground pork or turkey, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat and onion mixture into your crockpot, ensuring all flavorful browned bits from the skillet make it into the pot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken beautifully.
- Alternative High Heat Option: If short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and a side of crunchy tortilla chips for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for pork and use lean ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Beans can be swapped for other varieties you prefer, such as pinto or cannellini beans.
- The chili thickens as it cooks, but if it’s too thick, stir in a little extra beef broth before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd or for meal prep purposes.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
