Crock Pot Chili is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those days when you crave something warm, hearty, and satisfying. This slow-cooked dish allows flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a deep, rich taste that only gets better with time. Using a Crock Pot makes the process incredibly simple and hands-off, allowing the robust flavors of ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices to develop fully. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a game day or settling in for a cozy family dinner, Crock Pot Chili serves as a versatile and fulfilling meal that invites customization with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy kick
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Directions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to the Crock Pot.
- Add Vegetables and Spices:
- To the Crock Pot with the browned meat, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. If using, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper at this time for additional flavor.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to blend and deepen, creating a rich and complex chili.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and offer various toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cilantro for guests to customize their servings.
Crock Pot Chili is not only delicious on the day it’s made but often even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers. Serve it over rice, with cornbread, or enjoy it as is for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.
