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The air is filled with the rich, savory aroma of spices and simmering tomatoes as you walk into your kitchen, ready for an evening of culinary comfort. Picture this: a cozy bowl of The Best Ever Crockpot Chili!, steaming gently and waiting patiently as it fills your home with warmth and delightful scents. Each spoonful promises a hearty blend of flavors, bringing together tender ground beef, zesty spices, and vibrant beans for a dish that feels like a warm hug on chilly nights. As nostalgia washes over you, memories of family gatherings and rainy days sink deep into your heart, reminding you of the simple joys that good food brings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make The Best Ever Crockpot Chili!
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
The Best Ever Crockpot Chili!

Whether it’s a family dinner on a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends on game day, this chili is your perfect companion. It’s quick to prepare and has the magical ability to taste even better the longer it cooks, making it an ideal recipe for busy cooks. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s create a comforting bowl of goodness that is sure to please everyone around your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep time makes this a no-fuss dinner option.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with vibrant tastes that warm the soul.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful blend of beans and tomatoes makes for a dish that’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it solo, with crusty bread, or at a party with chips and toppings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust to gluten-free by checking your broth and spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs ground beef: This is your base for richness and texture. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
1 onion (diced): Adds depth and a beautiful sweetness. Yellow or white onions are both great choices.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a lovely, aromatic kick. Feel free to use jarred minced garlic for convenience.
28 oz can diced tomatoes: Choose a good-quality brand for the best flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a nice smoky note.
3 cups beef broth: The foundation of your chili’s liquid. You can use low-sodium or homemade beef broth to control salt levels.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: This thickens and enriches the chili, adding a deeper tomato flavor. Optional: use sun-dried tomato paste for a unique twist.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For umami and depth. Soy sauce is a good substitute if you’re out.
2 tablespoons chili powder: This spice blend packs a flavorful punch. Adjust to your taste preference, adding more for heat.
1 tablespoon ground cumin: Its earthy notes balance the chili’s flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smokiness. If you prefer heat, use regular paprika.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a nice herby flavor that enhances the dish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: For extra garlicky goodness and to punch up the flavors.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: This little boost delivers heat. Omit or reduce if you prefer milder chili.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning. Taste as you go!
2 bay leaves: These are flavored enhancers that simmer beautifully alongside your chili.
2 15 oz cans dark red kidney beans and 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans (rinsed and drained): They add both texture and protein. You can replace these with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

How to Make The Best Ever Crockpot Chili!

Sauté and Brown: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir often, breaking up the beef until it’s browned and the meat looks golden. This browning will add wonderful flavor to your chili. Once done, transfer the mixture directly to your slow cooker, relying on the spices and aromatics to fill the air.

Combine Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce along with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss in the bay leaves for that intricate flavor depth, and stir it all together until well combined. It’s the kind of dish that already smells inviting!

Set and Forget: Cover your slow cooker and select the cook time. For maximum flavor, it’s best to cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or if you’re short on time, you can use HIGH for 3–4 hours. Just visualize it simmering away, becoming more flavorful with each passing minute!

Add the Beans: During the last hour of cooking, stir in the drained beans. This allows them to warm through without getting mushy in your chili. This technique keeps that perfect texture and vibrant taste intact, letting those beans soak up all that flavor seamlessly.

Serve and Savor: Once the cooking time ends, carefully ladle the chili into bowls. This is the fun part! Load it up with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or spicy jalapeños. Remember, it’s all about enhancing your chili experience with delicious toppings and letting your creativity flow!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your delicious chili fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for no longer than two hours. If you want to refrigerate it, simply pop it in the fridge, where it will last for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or use a microwave in 1-minute intervals. Just a heads up—the texture may change slightly, but you can refresh it with a splash of broth to revive that cozy feel and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Browing the meat is essential! It adds flavor that makes your chili irresistible.
Make sure to taste at various stages, adjusting spices, and seasoning as needed.
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the beans by adding them towards the end.
Feel free to experiment with different beans or add in frozen corn for a pop of sweetness.
Don’t hesitate to make this chili ahead of time! It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning, my friend. With a combination of hearty ingredients and your personal touch, The Best Ever Crockpot Chili! brings people together, creating a sense of warmth and connection. As you enjoy the blend of flavors, don’t shy away from improvising. Maybe add some fresh herbs or switch up the beans next time! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility and comfort. Now, grab a spoon, relish each bite, and watch as it warms not just your belly, but your heart too!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for instead using lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite meat substitute. Check your broth to ensure it’s vegetable-based, and add an extra can of beans for protein.

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level can vary depending on your use of cayenne and chili powder. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne and taste as you go. You can always add more spices later based on your preference.

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just ensure to cook it until it’s completely thawed and browned before adding it to the slow cooker. Although some moisture may accumulate, it will be delicious as ever!

What toppings go well with crockpot chili?

A variety of toppings enhances the experience! Consider shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, avocados, crisp tortilla chips, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Explore what toppings you love most!