Crockpot Chili is a fantastic dish that brings warmth and comfort, especially on chilly days. Imagine coming home to a house filled with aromas that wrap you in a cozy hug. This recipe not only fills your belly but also soothes the soul. The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to coax every bit of flavor from the ingredients, creating a complex blend that’s hard to resist. You’ll find each ingredient plays a role, from the smoky bacon to the zesty spices, ensuring every bite is a little piece of heaven. Plus, this method is so effortless that you’ll have more time to spend with family or friends while the chili does its thing. Gather your loved ones around the table, and let the deliciousness of your Crockpot Chili spark conversation and laughter. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, inviting everyone to share stories and create memories.
Why This Recipe Works
Crockpot Chili not only warms you up on cold days, but it’s also one of those comforting meals that enhances in flavor as it simmers. With a careful blend of spices and ingredients, this recipe ensures a deeper, richer taste that rivals any chili cook-off winner. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making each bite deliciously memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chili
This Crockpot Chili is a crowd-pleaser with its perfectly balanced tastes and texture. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a game day event, or a cozy night at home, this hearty dish packs an irresistible punch. Plus, with minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy more time savoring moments with loved ones while your chili does all the hard work.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 48 ounces chili beans (3 × 16-ounce cans of pinto beans in chili sauce)
- 56 ounces petite diced tomatoes (2 × 28-ounce cans)
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- Toppings as desired (e.g., fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese)
Preparing Your Crockpot Chili
Cook the Bacon Until Crisp
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This is where the delicious flavor starts. Once the bacon is done, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep that bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables
Now it’s time to make your veggies shine! Add the finely diced red and green bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables become tender, about 5-8 minutes. The colors and smells will transport you.
Incorporate Spices and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, dried basil, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if desired), and paprika, along with the tomato paste. Cook until the spices become fragrant, which should take around 1-3 minutes, and then transfer this beautiful mixture to your slow cooker.
Combine Beans and Tomatoes
In the slow cooker, add the canned chili beans (with their liquid) and petite diced tomatoes (with their liquid). Don’t forget to also add the granulated sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled beef bouillon cubes. Each ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors.
Brown the Meats
In the same skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage over high heat until deeply browned. Make sure to brown in batches if necessary; this helps the meat to sear instead of steam, giving it a rich flavor. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and add the meat to the slow cooker.
Stir and Cook
Now, add the reserved crispy bacon to the slow cooker and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Cover and set your cooker on low for 6–8 hours, letting the flavors meld together, creating something truly special.
Taste and Adjust
When you’re ready, taste your chili. This is your moment! Feel free to adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. Each bite should be just right for you.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crockpot Chili with a blanket of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro on top. For added crunch, consider including tortilla chips or a warm piece of cornbread on the side. Each addition adds a new layer of deliciousness.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, using fresh spices rather than old ones makes a significant difference.
- Browning the meat: Don’t rush this step; properly browning the meat really adds depth to the overall dish.
- Taste before serving: Always adjust your seasoning before serving to ensure that your chili hits all the right notes.
Variations
- Turkey Chili: Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetarian Chili: Use an array of beans and lentils, and omit the meats altogether for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Add Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding corn, carrots, or zucchini into the mix for added health benefits.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Pairing Ideas
Consider pairing your chili with a crisp green salad, a piece of crusty bread, or classic cornbread to complement its rich flavors. A hearty scoop of guacamole on top enhances the dish beautifully!
FAQs
Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! Feel free to add more jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Is it okay to leave out the bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a lighter version or substitute it with turkey bacon.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes! Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the slow cooker.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure you choose gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and check that your diced tomatoes and beans do not contain gluten.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
To retain flavor and texture, reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Enjoy this hearty Crockpot Chili that brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen and makes every gathering a bit more special. Each bowl tells a story of comfort and togetherness, letting you savor the moments that matter most with every delightful spoonful.
Print
Crockpot Chili
Crockpot Chili delivers a comforting blend of flavors, making it perfect for cold days or family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery (2 stalks)
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (1 small onion)
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 48 ounces chili beans (3 × 16-ounce cans of pinto beans in chili sauce)
- 56 ounces petite diced tomatoes (2 × 28-ounce cans)
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- Toppings as desired (e.g., fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towel.
- Sauté the bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño, and garlic until tender.
- Add spices and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add chili beans and petite diced tomatoes to slow cooker, along with sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and bouillon cubes.
- Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in skillet, drain fat, and add to slow cooker.
- Mix in the bacon and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh spices for optimal flavor.
Take your time browning the meat to enhance depth of flavor.
Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 70
