Print

Easy Hearty Crockpot Chili Recipe for the Best Comforting Meals

easy hearty crockpot chili - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, hearty crockpot chili that is quick to prep and slow-cooked to develop rich, smoky flavors. Perfect for comfort meals on chilly nights or busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz / 411 g each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (or substitute with paprika, cumin, and cayenne)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently. Add diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. Transfer browned beef and sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  4. Pour in beef broth. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Brown the meat first to enhance flavor and texture. Drain and rinse beans to control salt and prevent soupiness. Stir only once or twice during cooking to retain heat and moisture. Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor. If chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, hearty chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, chili recipe, winter meals

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-hearty-crockpot-chili-recipe-for-the-best-comforting-meals/