The Best Homemade Crockpot Chili Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade crockpot chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights. You’ll love the rich flavors that blend together effortlessly while your crockpot does all the work. First, it’s incredibly customizable—add your favorite beans, spices, or toppings to make it your own. Second, it’s a time-saver; just toss everything in and let it simmer all day. To conclude, it’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Recipe
Crockpot chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cold days, gatherings, or a simple family meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and allows the slow cooker to do most of the work, blending the flavors beautifully over several hours.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the crockpot.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Crockpot or slow cooker
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Cuisine
American
Serving
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
This homemade crockpot chili recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 24g | 12g | 25g | 6g | 6g | 680mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade crockpot chili with fluffy cornbread, which soaks up all the rich flavors perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll serve it with crunchy cheese nachos for a fun twist that adds texture. Both options make the meal feel extra special without much extra effort.
Cornbread
When I think of chili, cornbread’s always the first thing that comes to mind—it’s like they’re a match made in comfort-food heaven. There’s something magical about that slightly sweet, crumbly texture next to the rich, spicy chili. I love making cornbread muffins because they’re easy to grab and perfect for dipping. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some cornbread stuffing, adding herbs and a bit of broth for extra flavor. Either way, it’s hard to resist tearing off a piece and soaking up every last bit of chili from the bowl. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll crave.
Cheese Nachos
While cornbread’s a classic pairing for chili, cheese nachos bring a whole new level of fun to the table. I love piling tortilla chips high with melty cheese, then adding nachos toppings like jalapeños, black olives, and diced tomatoes. For an extra kick, I’ll drizzle some cheese dips over the top or serve them on the side for dipping. The crunch of the chips pairs perfectly with the hearty chili, and it’s a great way to mix textures and flavors. Plus, nachos are customizable, so everyone can build their own perfect bite. It’s always a hit at my house!
