If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day, this Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and pork (or turkey), blended with bold spices and tender beans, this chili simmers slowly to develop that deep, satisfying taste only a crockpot can deliver. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual get-together, this recipe promises warmth, nourishment, and irresistible deliciousness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of ingredients that bring amazing depth and texture. Each item plays a role, from the richness of the meats to the tang of tomatoes, the creaminess of beans, and the punch of spices, making this chili vibrant, hearty, and utterly crave-worthy.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides robust, meaty flavor and a juicy base.
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey: Adds a tender, slightly sweet contrast to beef.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with a fragrant warmth and depth.
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings a fresh, slightly tangy tomato texture.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth richness to the chili’s body.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the stew.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthy tones and hearty texture.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances meaty flavor and keeps everything luscious.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star seasoning that defines classic chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds nutty, smoky warmth underneath the chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth and vivid color.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a lively kick if you like it spicy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and onions, building flavor.
- Shredded cheese: Perfect for topping with melty, creamy goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm chili.
- Chopped green onions: Brings fresh crunch and color.
- Tortilla chips: Ideal for scooping and adding extra texture.
How to Make Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—this is where your flavors begin. Add both ground beef and your choice of pork or turkey along with diced onion. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onion is tender, around 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step isn’t just about color; it develops those deep, savory notes that make chili utterly crave-worthy. Toss in the minced garlic near the end and cook for another minute to release its aroma without burning.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer your perfectly browned meat and onions into the crockpot. Layer on the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Don’t forget the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne if you enjoy some heat, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure all those bold flavors come together beautifully.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor
Set your crockpot to low and let the chili cook undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and the chili to thicken perfectly. If time is tight, the high setting works well too, just cook for 3 to 4 hours instead. Either way, patience here results in the richest, most luscious chili imaginable.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give your chili a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—a pinch more salt, a dash more spice, or an extra scoop of tomato paste can make all the difference. This step ensures your batch of chili is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
How to Serve Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Serving chili is almost like customization time. Top your Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe with shredded cheese for a gooey, melty layer, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the spices, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for crunch and freshness. These garnishes elevate each spoonful and add visual appeal that makes the meal even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this chili with some crunchy tortilla chips to scoop or crumble on top, adding texture and extra flavor contrast. Cornbread or a slice of crusty bread works beautifully as well, soaking up all those rich tomato and bean juices. A simple side salad can add a light, crisp component to balance the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your crockpot chili in mini bread bowls for an edible vessel that’s both practical and charming. Or layer the chili over rice or baked potatoes for a filling, crowd-pleasing dinner. Hosting a chili bar with various toppings and sides lets everyone customize their bowl, making the meal interactive and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some chili left? Fantastic news! Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen while resting, making leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash chili for longer, freezing is a dream solution. Cool the chili completely and place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for 3 to 4 months, so you can enjoy the Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe anytime you want a warm, comforting meal without the fuss.
Reheating
When you’re ready for your chili fix, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave works fine too for a quick fix—just watch the heat carefully to avoid uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of meat in the Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! While using both ground beef and pork or turkey gives a lovely complexity, you can choose just one meat to simplify or suit your taste. Ground beef alone works great as the base, or turkey for a lighter version.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the meat first is highly recommended because it develops richer flavors and better texture. If you skip this step, the chili may lose some depth and the meat might be less appetizing in texture.
Can I make this chili spicy or mild?
Yes! The cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted for a mild chili. To turn up the heat, add more cayenne, chili powder, or even some chopped fresh chili peppers. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Do I need to rinse canned beans before adding?
It’s a good idea to rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid that might affect the chili’s flavor. This helps keep the taste fresh and prevents the chili from becoming too salty.
What are some good toppings to serve with this chili?
Besides shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, try avocado slices, jalapeño peppers, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. Each topping adds a wonderful new flavor or texture layer to the hearty chili.
Final Thoughts
Give this Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe a try the next time you want a meal that’s fuss-free yet bursting with flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and one that your family and friends will beg for again and again. Your crockpot will do the hard work—you just enjoy the delicious results!
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Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ultimate Crockpot Chili recipe perfect for a comforting meal. This slow-cooked chili blends ground beef and pork with rich tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices, resulting in a thick, savory stew that’s easy to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes 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
Liquids and Spices
- 1 cup beef broth
- 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork (or turkey), and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat and onion mixture into your crockpot, ensuring all juices are transferred for maximum flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, drained kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Slow Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook the chili on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking melts the flavors together, making the chili rich and tender.
- Alternative High Setting: If short on time, cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if desired. Serve hot and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper to taste or add chopped jalapeños.
- To make it leaner, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and pork.
- You can use canned beans of your choice or soaked dried beans, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
