As the cool evening air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a hearty Crock-Pot Chili simmering away, filling my home with warmth and comfort. This recipe was a delightful find during a cold season when I craved something that reminded me of cozy gatherings and shared laughter over steaming bowls. The beauty of this Crock-Pot Chili lies not only in its melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef but also in the way it allows flavors to develop and deepen over time, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
With a robust mix of spices and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a dish I turn to again and again, whether for a laid-back family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile; feel free to customize the toppings and tweak the heat to make it your own! Ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this Crock-Pot Chili Recipe a Must-Try?
Deliciously Hearty: This recipe delivers a comforting bowl filled with tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection.
Aromatic Spices: The blend of spices creates a tantalizing aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen.
Customizable: Personalize it with your favorite toppings, from cheese to fresh herbs!
Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it; this dish practically makes itself while you relax.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Versatile Variations: Whether you prefer ground meat or turkey, it can be easily adapted to suit your taste.
For an easy, delicious option, check out my Slow-Cooker Recipes!
Essential Crock-Pot Chili Recipe Ingredients
For the Chili
• Chuck Roast (3 lb) – A well-seared base protein that provides rich flavor and tenderness.
• Salt (1 TBS) – Enhances flavor; adjust to your own taste preferences.
• Black Pepper (2 tsp) – Adds complexity; opt for freshly ground for the best flavor.
• Vegetable Oil (2 TBS) – Ideal for searing the meat; olive oil works as a good substitute.
• Diced Onion (1) – Adds a sweet and aromatic base; choose yellow or white for the best sweetness.
• Diced Bell Pepper (1) – Brings color and a sweet crunch; feel free to use any color you like.
• Diced Jalapeños (1 TBS) – Introduces heat and flavor; adjust for your preferred spice level.
• Minced Garlic (1 TBS) – Essential for depth; fresh pastes work well too.
• Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can) – Provides acidity and body; canned is usually more convenient.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can) – Adds texture and flavor; try no-salt-added varieties for a healthier option.
• Tomato Paste (2 TBS) – Concentrates flavors for a rich chili; don’t skip this!
• Chili Beans or Red Kidney Beans (2 x 15 oz cans, drained) – Adds protein and heartiness; any preferred bean will do.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 TBS) – Deepens umami flavors in the dish.
For the Seasoning
• Ancho Chili Powder (1/3 cup) – This key spice provides smokiness; regular chili powder is a good substitute.
• Light Brown Sugar (2 TBS) – Balances acidity with sweetness; granulated sugar or maple syrup are alternatives.
• Onion Powder (2 TBS) – Restores onion flavor if you’ve omitted fresh onion.
• Garlic Powder (1 TBS) – Enhances the overall garlic profile.
• Italian Seasoning (1 T) – A nice blend that complements chili effortlessly.
• Cumin (1 tsp) – Adds earthiness and warmth to the dish.
• Allspice (1 tsp) – Contributes a hint of sweetness and aromatic warmth.
• Beef Broth (1 cup) – Enhances sauce moisture; reduce or omit for a vegetarian version.
Unleash the slow-cooked goodness of this Crock-Pot Chili Recipe and bring comfort food to your table tonight!
How to Make Crock-Pot Chili
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Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the ancho chili powder, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice. Set this flavorful mixture aside to enhance your chili.
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Prepare Beef: Season the chuck roast chunks generously with salt, black pepper, and about half of the seasoning mix. This will elevate the overall flavor of your chili.
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Sear Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get that perfect crust.
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Sauté Vegetables: After searing the beef, remove it from the pan. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños to the same pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and lightly browned.
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Slow Cook Chili: Spray your Crock-Pot with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Carefully add the seared beef and its juices, sautéed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir everything together.
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Cook: Cover the Crock-Pot and set it to HIGH for 6-7 hours or LOW for 10-12 hours. Let the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day!
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Taste and Serve: Once cooked, give the chili a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs!
Optional: Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crock-Pot Chili Variations
Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations to elevate your Crock-Pot Chili experience!
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Ground Meat: Swap chuck roast for ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter twist. This makes for a faster cook time and a different texture.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use lentils or a variety of beans instead of meat. Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition. It’s comforting without sacrificing flavor!
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Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of diced jalapeños or add diced habaneros for heat lovers. You can also include hot sauce at the end for an extra layer of warmth.
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Sweet & Smoky: Mix in smoked paprika or barbecue sauce for a hint of sweetness and a smoky twist. This will deepen the flavor profile beautifully!
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Bean Variety: Explore different beans like black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans for unique flavors and textures. Each bean brings its own charm!
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Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness. The color and flavor will brighten each bowl!
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Creamy Texture: Add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking for a creamy finish. It adds richness and smoothness to each bite!
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Topping Extravaganza: Customize with toppings like crushed tortilla chips, diced avocados, or jalapeño slices to give each bowl a fun twist. It’s a great way to make it your own!
What to Serve with Crock-Pot Chili?
As the steam rises from your bowl of chili, consider these delightful pairings to create a complete and comforting meal.
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Cornbread: This sweet and buttery side takes on chili flavors beautifully, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
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Tortilla Chips: Crispy and crunchy, they add a fun texture that’s perfect for scooping up that hearty chili.
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Shredded Cheese: Melted on top, cheese adds creaminess that balances the spice and enhances the overall flavor experience.
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Guacamole: Creamy and fresh, avocado brings a coolness that harmonizes with the rich, spicy chili, making every bite better.
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Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream cools the heat, providing a rich creaminess that complements the intensity of the spices.
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Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf; it’s perfect for mopping up leftover chili, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
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Pickled Red Onions: Adding a zesty kick, these colorful beauties cut through the richness, offering a vibrant crunch with each bite.
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Fried Plantains: Sweet and savory fried plantains contrast the chili’s heat while introducing a unique tropical twist to your meal.
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Beer or Cider: Pair your chili with a crisp beer or a fruity cider for a refreshing balance to the robust flavors you’ve created.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, these chewy cookies offer a sweet finale that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Make Ahead Options
These Crock-Pot Chili Recipe components offer fantastic make-ahead options, saving you precious time on busy nights! You can prepare the seasoning mix, chop the vegetables, and cut your chuck roast up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them stored in the refrigerator. For best results, you can also sear the meat and sauté the vegetables a day ahead, allowing flavors to develop; refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine everything in the Crock-Pot, add the remaining ingredients, and set it to cook. This ensures your chili remains just as delicious and comforting, ready to warm your home with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Crock-Pot Chili
Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chili in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Serving Ideas: Consider garnishing with your favorite toppings after reheating for an added burst of flavor in your delicious Crock-Pot Chili!
Expert Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Chili
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Room Temperature Beef: Let your chuck roast sit out for about 30 minutes before searing it. This helps achieve better caramelization, enhancing flavors in your Crock-Pot Chili Recipe.
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Don’t Rush Cooking: Allowing your chili to simmer low and slow maximizes flavor development, so stick to the set cooking times for the best results.
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Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the quantity of jalapeños or even add hot sauce to suit your taste. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s tough to take it away!
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Be Mindful of Overcrowding: When searing the beef, cook in batches to avoid steaming. This technique is key to developing that rich flavor you’ll love.
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Taste as You Go: Divine deeper flavors by tasting your chili just before serving. Feel free to adjust any seasoning to your liking for a perfectly balanced dish.
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Variety is Key: Experiment with toppings like avocado, chopped cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco. It not only elevates your Crock-Pot Chili Recipe, but also adds a beautiful presentation!
Crock-Pot Chili Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting chuck roast?
Absolutely! When choosing a chuck roast, look for a piece with good marbling, which will provide rich flavor and tenderness. The meat should be bright red and without dark spots or excessive liquid in the packaging. If it’s well-sealed, it’ll promise that melt-in-your-mouth result we all crave.
How should I store leftover Crock-Pot chili?
For sure! Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its flavors, make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure your containers are freezer-safe!
Can I freeze my Crock-Pot chili? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Crock-Pot chili, wait for it to cool down, then ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some room at the top as the chili will expand when frozen. It’s best to use it within 3 months for optimal taste, so label with the date before popping it into the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stove or microwave, and enjoy!
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
Very good question! If your chili turns out to be spicier than you’d like, you can balance the heat by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Another trick is to stir in a bit of honey or sugar to mellow the spice. Also, increasing the quantity of canned tomatoes and beans can help dilute the heat, making it more manageable!
Is this crock-pot chili recipe pet-friendly?
Great consideration! While the ingredients in this Crock-Pot chili are largely safe for humans, many elements like onions and garlic can be harmful to pets. It’s best to keep your furry friends away from the chili, and maybe whip up a special batch just for them using pet-safe ingredients!
Can I customize the ingredients in the crock-pot chili?
Absolutely! This Crock-Pot Chili Recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the chuck roast for ground beef or even turkey for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with different beans like black or pinto beans, and add in vegetables like corn or zucchini to make it even heartier!
Hearty Crock-Pot Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the ancho chili powder, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice. Set this flavorful mixture aside to enhance your chili.
- Season the chuck roast chunks generously with salt, black pepper, and about half of the seasoning mix. This will elevate the overall flavor of your chili.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get that perfect crust.
- After searing the beef, remove it from the pan. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños to the same pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and lightly browned.
- Spray your Crock-Pot with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Carefully add the seared beef and its juices, sautéed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir everything together.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and set it to HIGH for 6-7 hours or LOW for 10-12 hours. Let the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day!
- Once cooked, give the chili a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs!