If you're looking to enhance your meal game with minimal effort, the five best chili crockpot recipes could be just what you need. Each recipe brings something unique to the table, whether it's the rich flavors of classic beef chili or the lighter touch of turkey and white bean. You might even be surprised by the vegetarian options that don't skimp on taste. As you think about your next cozy gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, consider which chili will become your new favorite. The details of each recipe might just inspire your next culinary adventure.
Classic Beef Chili
Classic Beef Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms you up on a chilly day. This slow-cooked version allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting meal that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With tender beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
To prepare the Classic Beef Chili, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to a crockpot.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and beef broth to the crockpot. If desired, include the chopped bell pepper and jalapeño for added flavor and spice. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors are well blended and the chili is thick.
For best results when making Classic Beef Chili, consider letting it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator after cooking to amplify the flavors even more.
You can also customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or adding hot sauce to taste. Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Enjoy this delicious dish with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal!
Turkey and White Bean Chili
Turkey and White Bean Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the lean protein of turkey with the creamy texture of white beans, all simmered together with a variety of spices and vegetables.
This healthy chili is perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm and comforting, and it's easy to prepare in a crockpot. Just set it and forget it while the flavors meld together, resulting in a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until it's cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Once the turkey is browned, transfer it to the crockpot. Add the white beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soften.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the white beans before adding them to the crockpot.
Additionally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like corn or zucchini, or experimenting with different beans.
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it freezes well for future meals.
Vegetarian Chili Delight
Vegetarian Chili Delight is a hearty and flavorful dish that packs a punch without the meat. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike, this chili is loaded with protein-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices that create a warm and comforting meal.
With the convenience of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream
To prepare the Vegetarian Chili Delight, start by placing all the ingredients into the crockpot: black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth.
Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the spices are evenly distributed. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
When making this chili, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker chili, consider mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. This dish freezes well, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Serve it with your favorite toppings for a deliciously satisfying meal!
Spicy Chicken Chili
Spicy Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender chicken, robust spices, and a variety of vegetables to create a flavor-packed chili that will tantalize your taste buds. The slow-cooking process in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, diced (adjust for spice level)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a crockpot, add the chicken thighs at the bottom and layer on the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, and jalapeños.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top before pouring in the chicken broth.
Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is somewhat submerged in the liquid.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
Before serving, shred the chicken and mix it back into the chili.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños or even incorporating some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
This chili also makes great leftovers; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, such as adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
Enjoy your Spicy Chicken Chili with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal!
Chili With Sweet Potatoes
Chili with sweet potatoes is a hearty, nutritious dish that combines the warmth of traditional chili with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
The sweet potatoes provide a creamy base that complements the spiciness of the chili, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly nights or gatherings with friends and family. Using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado
Cooking Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to a crockpot.
Add the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are well developed.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a tablespoon of brown sugar towards the end of cooking.
You can also customize the spice level by adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you're short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, making it easy to throw everything into the crockpot in the morning.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later enjoyment, making this dish perfect for meal prep!