Crockpot Beef Chili - Hearty Food Ideas
There's something magical about a bowl of chili. It warms your belly, fills the house with a homey aroma, and brings family and friends together. Imagine arriving home after a long day, and the savory scent of beef and spices greets you at the door. That’s the essence of crockpot beef chili.
In my experience, this dish is a savior for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. Pop the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The best part? It tastes even better the next day. So, let’s explore the depths of this chili delight.
Servings 10
Calories 350kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 small fresh jalapeño, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 30 oz kidney beans, two 15 oz cans, rinsed and drained
- 30 oz can diced tomatoes, including juice
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilis, including juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by gathering all the ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño if you're using fresh. You'll want everything prepped and ready to go to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to ensure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This adds rich flavor. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until the onions become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Aromas will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to dig in right then.
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot
- Once your beef and veggies are ready, transfer them into the crockpot. Remember, all those flavors are starting to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Spices
- In the crockpot, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked garlic powder, dried Mexican oregano, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until well-coated.
Step 6: Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes
- Now, let’s add the beans and tomatoes. First, pour in the black beans and kidney beans, followed by the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Don’t forget those green chilis! Stir again to meld everything together.
Step 7: Set Your Crockpot
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
- Once cooking time is up, taste the chili. Adjust seasoning if necessary. You might want more salt or spice, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Beans are Flexible: Use whatever beans you prefer. Pinto, black, or even white beans can add a unique twist.
- Spice Levels: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like more heat. You can also toss in chopped chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics deepens the chili's flavor and should not be overlooked.
- Garnishes Make a Difference: Top with cheese, avocado, cilantro, or lime juice right before serving for a burst of freshness.