Description
This Easy Crock Pot Chili Recipe is a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal prep and cooks slowly to develop rich flavors. Combining tender ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for busy nights and offers a customizable, budget-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – Begin by heating a skillet on medium heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to release their rich aromas.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot – Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection – Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.
- Step 4: Final Taste and Adjust – Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or spices as needed.
Notes
- Use quality fresh ground beef with some fat for juicier, deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics to unlock essential flavors.
- Consider layering seasonings by adding some early and reserving some to add near the end.
- For creamier texture, mix in pinto or black beans with kidney beans.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer gently in a regular pot on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg