Description
The Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a warm, comforting slow cooker meal combining tender ground beef, zesty spices, and creamy queso cheese. This rich and cheesy chili delivers layers of savory and spicy flavors perfect for cozy weeknights or entertaining guests, all made effortlessly in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup queso cheese (melting queso or queso blanco recommended)
- Optional garnish: Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeños or 1 cup chopped green chiles (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Optional: 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth (homemade preferred if possible)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step seals in flavor and reduces excess fat before adding to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Base: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant to build a savory foundation for the chili.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, beans (if using), chopped jalapeños or green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and beef broth into the crockpot. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Add Queso Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the queso cheese to melt smoothly into the chili, adding creamy, cheesy richness.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Stir the chili again and taste; season with salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, lean ground beef for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip browning the beef to add caramelized depth.
- Adjust spice levels gradually to suit your heat tolerance.
- Add queso cheese near the end to keep it creamy and prevent scorching.
- Homemade beef broth can enhance richness and authenticity.
- Low slow cooker setting is best for deeply blended flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or avocado slices for balanced freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg