Crockpot Classic Chili

Name: Crockpot Classic Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Warm up your winter with this hearty Crockpot Classic Chili recipe that's perfect for cozy nights. Packed with tender ground beef, kidney beans, rich tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili is both comforting and satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work as the flavors meld beautifully throughout the day. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal that will keep your family coming back for more.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-10-22T02:21:10.408Z

This chili recipe has been passed down through generations, becoming a staple for family gatherings and winter nights. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop perfectly, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings everyone together.

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking not only enhances the flavors of ingredients but also allows for a hands-off approach to meal preparation. As the ingredients simmer, they meld together, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. This is especially true for our Crockpot Classic Chili, where the longer cooking time lets the spices and meats develop depth and warmth that comforts on cold winter evenings.

Additionally, using a slow cooker saves you time in the kitchen. After the initial preparation, you can set it and forget it. Enjoy your day or spend time with family while the chili bubbles away, ready to warm you up when you return. It's an ideal solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Perfect Pairings

Crockpot Classic Chili is incredibly versatile, and there are many delicious ways to serve it. A side of cornbread is a classic choice; its sweetness complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully. Whether you choose to bake your cornbread from scratch or grab a quick mix from the store, it’s sure to be a hit with the family.

Another option is to serve the chili over rice. The rice absorbs the sauce, creating a filling and satisfying meal. For added texture, consider adding toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Each topping brings its own unique flavor to the dish, allowing everyone to customize their serving.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about chili is that it tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify, making for a delicious second round.

When reheating, simply warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat or reheat in the microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help bring back the original consistency. You can also freeze chili for longer storage. Portion it into freezer bags or containers, label them with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting your chili.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your chili is perfect.

Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

In your crockpot, add the cooked beef along with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Serve

Once cooked, stir the chili and serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your chili alongside cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal.

Tips for Customizing Your Chili

Chili is an incredibly forgiving recipe, and it’s easy to tweak based on your family's preferences. If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. For a smokier flavor, you could mix in some smoked paprika or add a couple of diced chipotle peppers in adobo.

To incorporate more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn. These additions not only enhance the nutritional content but also add different textures and tastes to your chili, making it even more appealing.

Healthier Options

If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider substituting lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef. This keeps the dish lean while still maintaining flavor. You can also increase the amount of beans for added fiber while reducing meat, creating a vegetarian-friendly version of this delicious classic.

Using low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes is another great way to reduce salt intake without sacrificing taste. You can also monitor added sugars in canned beans by choosing those that are labeled as 'no added sugar.' These adjustments ensure that everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without guilt.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative.

→ How can I thicken my chili?

You can mash a portion of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry.