The Ultimate Guide to Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to comfort you on a cool evening. Our Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With a combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss meal, this recipe will have you savoring every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just brown the beef, add everything to the Crock Pot, and let it work its magic.
- Rich and Flavorful: A perfect blend of spices and ingredients that meld together over hours of slow cooking.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and it’s easy to adjust the spice level for any palate.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious, comforting chili:
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty base.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: For a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and fiber.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds texture and additional protein.
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes: Creates a rich, tomatoey base.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Helps thicken the chili.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The primary spice for that classic chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Provides a hint of earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a bit of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra kick.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds a savory richness.
How Kids Can Help
Involving children in the kitchen can be a fun and educational experience. Here’s how they can assist with this recipe:
- Measuring Ingredients: Kids can measure out the spices and help with the beans and tomatoes.
- Stirring: Let them stir the ingredients once they’re in the Crock Pot.
- Topping the Chili: They can add their favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
A Personal Story From a Reader: Making Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili with the Kids
A Perfect Day for Chili
Last Sunday was one of those lazy, overcast days that just begs for something warm and comforting. I decided it was the perfect opportunity to get the kids involved in making a hearty meal that we could all enjoy: Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili. With the promise of a delicious dinner ahead, my little chefs, Sophie and Max, were eager to don their aprons and get started.
Gathering Ingredients and Getting Ready
First things first, we gathered all the ingredients. Sophie, my organized eight-year-old, took charge of the canned goods, carefully lining up the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce on the counter. Max, who is six and full of energy, was in charge of fetching the spices. He enthusiastically grabbed the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a tiny bit of cayenne pepper (which he declared “only for the brave!”).
“Mom, what’s cumin for?” Sophie asked as we arranged everything on the kitchen island. I explained how each spice would contribute to the chili’s rich, warm flavor, and they both seemed fascinated by the idea of building layers of taste.
Browning the Beef
We started by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. This part was mostly my job, but the kids stood close by, watching the meat sizzle and turn brown. “It’s like magic!” Max exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. Once the beef was browned, we drained the excess fat and moved on to the veggies.
Adding the Vegetables
I chopped the onion, garlic, and bell pepper while Sophie and Max helped by handing me each ingredient. “Can I stir it?” Sophie asked, and with a careful hand, she gently stirred the veggies into the skillet, watching as the onions became translucent and the peppers softened.
Max, always ready for action, volunteered to add the minced garlic. “Be careful, buddy,” I reminded him as he sprinkled the garlic into the pan. The kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of sautéed vegetables and spices, making us all even more excited for the meal to come.
Into the Crock Pot
With the beef and veggies ready, it was time to transfer everything into the Crock Pot. Sophie held the slow cooker lid while Max and I carefully poured in the beef and vegetable mixture. Then, they each took turns adding the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
“Don’t forget the spices!” Max reminded me, eager to sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a cautious pinch of cayenne pepper. We gave everything a good stir, making sure all the ingredients were well combined.
The Waiting Game
We set the Crock Pot to low and let the magic happen. The kids were curious and checked on the chili every hour, marveling at how the flavors were melding together. “It smells so good!” Sophie declared, and Max agreed, giving a thumbs up.
The Final Touches and Dinner Time
After several hours of slow cooking, it was finally time to taste our creation. We carefully ladled the thick, aromatic chili into bowls and added our favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, and a handful of chopped green onions.
“This is the best chili ever!” Max exclaimed after his first bite, his face lighting up with joy. Sophie nodded in agreement, her mouth too full to speak.
Reflections on Our Cooking Adventure
Making Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili with Sophie and Max wasn’t just about creating a delicious meal—it was about spending quality time together, learning new skills, and enjoying the process of cooking. The kids took so much pride in their work, and it was heartwarming to see their excitement and satisfaction.
As we cleaned up the kitchen, the kids were already talking about what we could make next time. Our day of cooking chili was a cozy, memorable experience that I hope will inspire many more family cooking adventures in the future. Here’s to more delicious meals and happy moments shared in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the Crock Pot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and beef broth to the Crock Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the flavors are well blended and the chili is thickened.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Substitutions and Additions
This chili is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas:
- Protein Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini and corn.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate diced carrots, celery, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans? A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook them separately before adding them to the Crock Pot, as dried beans require a much longer cooking time.
Q: How do I thicken my chili if it’s too thin? A: You can let it cook uncovered for the last hour to evaporate some liquid, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili.
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Perfect for busy days when you need a meal ready without much effort.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Each spoonful is rich with savory, spicy goodness.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or game days.
Conclusion
Our Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of comfort, flavor, and warmth that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it out, enjoy the rich, savory flavors, and make it a regular feature in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Ground Beef
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Garlic, minced
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Bell Pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Can Diced Tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Can Diced Tomatoes, 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Can Diced Tomatoes, 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Can Diced Tomatoes, 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Cumin
- 1 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Cayenne Pepper, optional, for heat
- 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Beef Broth
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the Crock Pot.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and beef broth to the Crock Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the flavors are well blended and the chili is thickened.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
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