Crockpot Chili Recipe: 5-Star Slow Cooker Meal (Print Version)
Make this hearty Crockpot Chili, a slow cooker favorite packed with rich flavors. This easy recipe is a 5-star winner, perfect for weeknights or game day gatherings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Chili Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
03 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
04 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
05 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Award-Winning Spice & Depth
07 -
3 tbsp chili powder
08 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
09 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
1 tsp dried oregano
11 -
1 1/2 cups beef broth
12 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
14 -
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Finishes & Garnish
16 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
17 -
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for garnish
18 -
Sour cream, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10), breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced; cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
02 -
Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your 6-quart or larger crockpot. Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
03 -
To the crockpot, add 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed, and 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
04 -
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine for your Crockpot Chili: A 5-Star Cook-Off Winner! Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (360 minutes).
05 -
Once cooking is complete, give the chili a final good stir. For the best Crockpot Chili: A 5-Star Cook-Off Winner!, turn off the crockpot and let it rest, covered, for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
06 -
Ladle the rich Crockpot Chili: A 5-Star Cook-Off Winner! into individual bowls. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream before serving hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra kick, add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the other spices in Step 3.
02 -
Leftover chili stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
03 -
Serve this hearty chili with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over baked potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
04 -
Feel free to experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for a varied texture and flavor profile.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 495 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
Protein: 37 g