Since the weather has been damp and rainy around our house, I’ve been craving soup. Nothing perks up a cold, dreary day than a good bowl of soup. One of my favorite dishes is this easy Classic Crockpot Chili Recipe. I got the recipe years ago from one of my aunts, who was an excellent cook.
Everyone wanted to gather in her kitchen for her meals. Of course, we all had our favorite recipes. Some of my cousins thought her best dish was spaghetti, while others swore by her peanut brittle. I was always a fan of her chili, topped with a dab of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese.
Crockpot Chili Recipe
Yesterday I shared my simple 3-ingredient Crockpot (or stovetop) Chili recipe. If you prefer to make chili from scratch, this crockpot chili recipe fills the bill. This recipe takes a minimum of prep time and can be slowly simmered all day, ready and waiting when you arrive home from work. Or, if you prefer and are in a hurry, you can make it on the stovetop. You’ll still want to allow for simmering time to give the flavors a chance to meld.
Substitutions:
- For a vegan chili, substitute one pound of meatless crumbles (like Morning Star, which can be found in the freezer section) or omit the meat.
- Use one can of chili beans, pinto beans, or black beans instead of the kidney beans.
- This makes a very thick chili. If you prefer a thinner chili, use two (29-ounces each) cans of stewed tomatoes.
- For a spicier chili, use 2 (15-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes with chilis in your choice of mild, medium, or spicy flavors.
Preparations Tips:
- You can experiment with the seasonings to adjust to your taste. If you like more spice, add more chili pepper. I suggest adding 1/2 teaspoon at a time until you reach your favorite spice level.
- If you don’t like spicy chili, reduce the amount of chili powder to 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons.
- Here’s a fun new way to season the chili. change the flavor profile by adding 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to the recipe. Blend the cocoa powder with the other spices and stir it into into the tomatoes.
Stovetop Directions:
If you prefer to cook the chili on the stovetop, prepare the chili as directed in the recipe. Bring the chili to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Freezing Instructions:
This chili can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the chili to cool approximately 30 minutes. Spoon the chili into airtight storage containers and place in freezer. To serve, allow the chili to thaw overnight in the fridge. To heat, place individual bowls of chili in the microwave and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir. Heat the chili for an additional 30 seconds or until heated through.
Printable Recipe
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. I like to serve this with grilled cheese sandwiches for a hot, hearty meal. It’s also good with cornbread.
Classic Crockpot Chili Recipe
This makes a very thick chili. If you prefer a thinner chili, use two (29 ounces each) cans of stewed tomatoes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 or 2 (29-ounces each) can stewed tomatoes
1 (16-ounces) can of kidney beans
1 can (3-ounces) tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic for 5 to 7 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. .
- Drain the meat mixture and set it aside.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, the tomato paste, the chili powder, the basil, and the black pepper to a crockpot.
- Stir in the beef mixture and the kidney beans. Cook for 4 hours on low.
This chili might become one of your fast family favorites too! What are some of your favorite hearty soups and stews for fall and winter?
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This post just reminded me that I haven’t made chili yet this year, what is wrong with me! I may need to try your recipe!
This is perfect for the weather. I love how easy this is to make. Yum!
We are definitely still having winter weather here in Michigan. I may just have to get the crockpot out and make chili.
That looks comfort especially for a freezing day like today! These are the kind of food that warms my body during Winter time.
This recipe looks so delicious and hearty! I haven’t used my crockpot in a very long time so it’s about time I dust it off and make this chili!
I always love trying new chili recipes for my family. Especially during the cold winter months. It makes the perfect comfort food.
You really can’t go wrong with Classic Crock Pot Chili. Warm comfort food at its finest made easy with the Crock Pot!
Our favorite chili recipes are all made in the crockpot. YUM! Sometimes I even leave it for a couple of days.
This crockpot chili recipe sounds so savory and delicious! It’s the perfect potluck recipe all year round!
Now, this sounds like a good chilli recipe! It is most definitely still the perfect time of year for something like this, it gets so cold in the evening!
Oh yummy!!! We love chili at mine and I’m planning on making it again soon. I must try to make your recipe it sounds really lovely x
This would be a great game day meal. I love slow cooker chili. It is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
This looks amazing! I love when I can use my crock pot. I have a chili recipe I make, and this one is slightly different. I’ll have to give it a try.
This looks delicious. I use my slow cooker at least once a week. Chili is one of my favorite foods to make in the slow cooker.
The weather is still very cold with all the cold wind blowing. Chili is still very much on our menu list to make each week.
The weather I am experiencing right now makes me want to dive head first into a big ol’ bowl of this!!
im a huge fan of easy to make meals esp when it comes to meals like this- we love enjoying chili so ill def be adding this to my list to make for next week! YUM!
This looks like a great meal for a game day. All the people to come over to watch the game at our house looks for something like this to just eat in front of the TV. I know they would love it.