Crock Pot Chili
Are you ready to warm up with a bowl of hearty crock pot chili? This dish is not only filling but also incredibly easy to make. With a blend of spices, tender meat, and beans, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors that develop throughout the cooking process. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, 20g protein, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fiber. This breakdown is for one person and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat and drain the fat.
2. Add the cooked meat to the crock pot.
3. Combine all beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
4. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the beef broth over the mixture.
6. Stir everything together until well mixed.
7. Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat.
8. Cook for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
9. Check seasoning and adjust as needed before serving.
10. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative to make this dish vegetarian. You can also use different types of beans or add bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Crock pot chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added taste.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the meat before adding it to the crock pot can lead to a dry texture.
- Not rinsing canned beans can add excess sodium.
- Skipping the browning step may result in less flavor.
- Not tasting the chili before serving can lead to blandness.
- Using too much liquid can make it soupy.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Let the chili sit for a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavors.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice for a brightness boost.
- Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meat in the crock pot?
Yes, you can use frozen meat, but it will take longer to cook. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili is too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meat with more beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How spicy is this chili?
The spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and including jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Can I prepare this chili ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients the night before, refrigerate them, and then cook in the crock pot the next day.
Conclusion
Crock pot chili is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aromas that fill your home as it cooks!
Crock Pot Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat and drain the fat.
- Add the cooked meat to the crock pot.
- Combine all beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat.
- Cook for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check seasoning and adjust as needed before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
