Cozy Comfort: The Best Hearty Crockpot Chili Recipe For Winter

Warm nights call for a soul-satisfying homemade crockpot chili that brings comfort to every spoonful.

This robust chili recipe delivers deep, rich flavors that simmer slowly throughout the day.

Tender chunks of beef meld perfectly with robust beans and aromatic spices.

Each ingredient carefully selected adds depth and complexity to this classic comfort dish.

The slow cooker works its magic, blending zesty tomatoes, ground beef, and a blend of spices into a mouthwatering meal.

Ladle this hearty chili into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table, promising a delicious dinner that warms both body and spirit.

Tools That Make Slow-Cooking Chili Simple

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions with garlic.
• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Key appliance for slow-cooking the chili and blending flavors.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing onions and preparing vegetables.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Can Opener: Useful for opening canned tomatoes and beans.

How to Make Crockpot Chili With Big Flavor

• Brown the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet until it develops a rich, golden color. Break it into delicious crumbly pieces while cooking.

• Sauté Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet, letting them dance and release their wonderful fragrance. Cook until they become soft and translucent.

• Transfer to Crockpot

Slide the perfectly browned meat and caramelized onions into your trusty slow cooker, creating the foundation for an incredible chili.

• Add Flavor Boosters

Pour in diced tomatoes, beans, and a splash of zesty tomato sauce. Sprinkle in your favorite chili seasonings to create a mouthwatering blend of spices.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen. Simmer on low for 6-8 hours, allowing all the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, hearty taste.

• Final Touch

Give your chili a quick stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese or sour cream.

Spice Tweaks and Mix-Ins to Try in Your Chili

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chili a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious meal.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Veggie Swap Trick: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a hearty vegetarian version that's packed with protein.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by using mild or hot chili peppers, or add a dash of cayenne for those who love extra kick.
• Toppings Playground: Elevate your chili with fun garnishes like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added texture and flavor.

Serve Up Chili That Feels Like Comfort

• Cozy Chili Companions: Warm cornbread muffins complement the hearty chili, soaking up delicious flavors and adding a perfect crispy texture to each bite.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, scatter chopped green onions, and add a few jalapeño slices for a burst of color and zesty excitement.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside crisp tortilla chips or fluffy white rice to create a filling meal that transforms the chili from a simple dish to a complete dinner experience.
• Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Create a chili bar where family and friends can customize their bowls with various toppings, making mealtime interactive and fun for everyone gathered around the table.

Crockpot Chili Storage Tips That Work

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Magic: Store chili in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and easy meal prep for quick lunches or dinners.
• Freezer Friendly: Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating convenient future meals that defrost quickly.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen chili, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and restore original texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Your Crockpot Chili Recipe

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and rich flavor, choose 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, select firm white or yellow onions for best results.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch and enhances overall taste profile, fresh cloves recommended over pre-minced.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates tangy base and adds moisture, opt for no-salt-added version for better sodium control.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides smooth consistency and rich tomato essence, choose organic for deeper flavor.
• Beef Broth: Boosts savory undertones and helps develop complex taste, low-sodium varieties work best.
• Chili Powder: Delivers signature spicy warmth, look for high-quality blends without excessive fillers.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, smoky notes that complement meat perfectly, whole seeds can be ground fresh for intense flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating other ingredients' natural tastes.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and visual appeal, sharp cheddar recommended.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, tangy contrast to spicy chili.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, sharp accent and vibrant color.
• Jalapeños: Delivers extra heat for spice enthusiasts, remove seeds for milder kick.

Hearty Crockpot Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chili delights families with rich, robust flavors from ground beef, beans, and spices. Comfort meets convenience in this simple, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 (28 oz/794 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans (or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 (6 oz/170 g) can tomato paste
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until caramelized and fully cooked, eliminating any pink coloration.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their vibrant flavors.
3. Foundation Building: Transfer meat mixture to crockpot, draining excess grease to create a lean, robust base for the chili.
4. Liquid and Vegetable Integration: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and paprika across the mixture, gently folding to incorporate warm, complex seasonings.
6. Moisture and Depth: Pour beef broth into the crockpot, creating a rich liquid environment that will intensify overall flavor.
7. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and set crockpot to low heat, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a deep, harmonious taste over 6-8 hours.
8. Final Touches: Periodically stir the chili, adjusting seasonings in the last hour to balance flavors with salt and pepper.
9. Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming chili into bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef thoroughly to develop a deep, caramelized flavor and eliminate excess fat, ensuring a rich and robust base for the chili.
• Spice Layering: Add spices gradually and fold gently to distribute complex flavors evenly, preventing clumping and ensuring a balanced taste throughout the dish.
• Moisture Management: Monitor liquid levels during cooking to prevent dryness, using beef broth strategically to maintain a perfect, hearty consistency without becoming soupy.
• Dietary Adaptations: Easily transform this recipe by substituting ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or textured vegetable protein for vegetarian and vegan versions, maintaining the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg