Description

This hearty Crockpot Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for busy days, it simmers slowly in the crockpot to develop deep, rich flavors that are ideal for cozy dinners. You can customize the heat level with optional green chilies and cayenne pepper, and serve it with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)

Liquids and Spices

1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness and improve texture.
Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked beef mixture into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
Add Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato paste, diced green chilies (if using), and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Cook in Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to blend flavors. Around halfway through cooking, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed to perfect the flavor.
Serve: Serve the chili hot, topped with desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions. Complement the dish with sides like cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for an enjoyable texture contrast.

Notes

For a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Optional diced green chilies and cayenne pepper can be added for extra spice.
Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Stir occasionally during cooking if possible to prevent sticking and promote even flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American