Description
Rich, hearty Crockpot Chili emerges as a comforting classic that warms souls and satisfies hunger. Slow-simmered beef, aromatic spices, and tender beans create a delicious meal that draws friends and family around the table with its irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a robust base by sautéing diced onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to infuse its fragrant notes into the vegetable medley.
- Introduce ground beef into the pan, methodically breaking it into fine crumbles. Thoroughly cook the meat until it transforms from pink to a rich, uniform brown color, ensuring complete protein rendering.
- Awaken the spice profile by integrating chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper. Blend these seasonings with tomato paste, creating a concentrated flavor foundation that will permeate the entire dish.
- Cascade diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into the mixture. Gently fold in kidney and black beans, allowing them to meld seamlessly with the developing flavor landscape.
- Transition the chili to a crockpot, setting it on low heat. Allow the ingredients to harmonize and develop depth over 4-6 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent adherence and promote even flavor distribution.
- Elevate the final presentation by garnishing with complementary toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, verdant green onions, or fresh cilantro, transforming the chili into a personalized culinary experience.
Notes
- Perfectly brown the ground beef by ensuring the pan is hot and not overcrowding, allowing meat to sear and develop rich caramelized flavors.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates, creating a personalized spice experience.
- Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences and nutritional diversity.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn, increasing fiber and vitamin content while maintaining delicious chili texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg