Description
This easy chilli recipe crockpot delivers a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, it's a comforting classic that simmers to perfection.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp chilli powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, corn chips.
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Stir in the chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors will be.
Step 7: Stir well before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For best flavor, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step develops a deeper, richer base for your chilli. Leftovers are even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg