Slow Cooker Sunday Funday Chilli
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper belly warmer? Ever wondered how to make a crockpot chilli that's proper lush? This recipe hits all the right spots.
It's smoky, comforting, and has a secret ingredient that'll make your taste buds sing.
Brief Overview
Chili Recipe Crock Pot magic has been around for ages. It's a classic dish, perfect for a casual gathering. This recipe is easy peasy.
It takes about 20 minutes to prep, then the Slow Cooker Chili Recipe does the rest. It makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry mouths.
Main Benefits
This Easy Chili Crockpot Recipes is packed with protein and fiber. It's also bloomin' perfect for a Sunday sesh or a quick meal prep.
What makes this recipe special? The unsweetened cocoa powder ! Oh my gosh , it adds a depth of flavour you won't believe.
Let's Get Cooking: The Ingredients You'll Need
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this banging Beef Chili Recipe . You'll need the usual suspects. Think ground beef, onions, peppers, and of course, beans.
But it's the smoky chipotle peppers and cocoa powder that elevate this Chipotle Crockpot Chili to the next level.
First, grab your 1.5 lbs ground beef . Next, chop 1 medium yellow onion , 2 cloves garlic , and 1 green bell pepper .
These are the base for building flavour. Honestly, don't skimp on the garlic. It makes all the difference.
Then, raid your pantry for canned goods. You'll need 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans , 1 (15 oz) can black beans , and 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes .
Don't forget the 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies . I love adding an extra can of black beans, you know?
Now, for the spices! 2 tbsp chili powder , 1 tbsp ground cumin , 1 tsp smoked paprika , 1/2 tsp dried oregano , and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave).
And finally, the stars of the show: 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce , 1 tbsp cocoa powder , and 1 cup beef broth .
Grab some salt and pepper too.
You know the longer you let this Smoky Crockpot Chili cook, the better it tastes!
Right then, let's get this Crockpot Chilli party started! You're going to love how easy this is. Trust me, even I can manage it.
The beauty of Easy Chili Crockpot Recipes is that they do most of the work!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Let's break down what you need for this belter of a Chili Recipe Crock Pot . No need to be intimidated. Honestly, if I can do it, so can you!
Main Players
Okay, here's the shopping list. Don't skimp on quality beef. That's where the flavour bomb comes from!
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) just standard stuff for browning.
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680g) Go for chuck. It’s got that good fat.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g) don't be shy, give it a good chop.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 tbsp, 6g) the more garlic, the better if you ask me!
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g) adds a bit of sweetness.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (794g) get the good stuff.
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15 oz) can (425g), rinsed and drained.
- Black Beans: 1 (15 oz) can (425g), rinsed and drained.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15 oz) can (425g), undrained adds some juice.
- Green Chilies: 1 (4 oz) can, chopped (113g) a sneaky way to add flavour.
- Chili Powder: 2 tbsp (24g) This Beef Chili Recipe wouldn't be the same without it!
- Ground Cumin: 1 tbsp (8g) for that authentic taste.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (3g) adds a smoky depth, obviously.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp (1g) because everything is better with a bit of oregano.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (0.5g) if you’re brave, like me!
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: 1-2 , chopped, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce (adjust to taste) (2-4 peppers, 15ml adobo) this is where the magic happens!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tbsp (6g) our little secret. Crockpot Chili with Cocoa is surprisingly good.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) low sodium if you're watching your salt.
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste go easy at first, you can always add more!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
- Spice things up! Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are your holy trinity.
- Chipotle peppers are my go-to for smoky depth.
- Cocoa powder? Trust me on this one. It adds richness without making it taste like chocolate.
- Don't have chipotle peppers? A dash of chipotle powder will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this. Just the basics.
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart one is ideal, though a smaller one might do.
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef a frying pan works too.
- Chopping Board: Protect your work surface.
- Sharp Knife: No explanation needed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping.
Honestly, this Easy Crock Pot Chilli Recipes are so straightforward. Even I, with my track record of kitchen mishaps, can pull it off. Now, let's get cooking!
Get Ready to Crock and Roll with This Easy Crockpot Chilli Recipe
Fancy a proper good bowl of chilli, but can't be arsed standing over the hob? Well, my friend, I've got just the ticket! This easy chili crockpot recipe is a game changer.
Honestly, bung it all in, and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for a Sunday scran or even meal prepping for the week.
A great dish to start cooking with is my smoky crockpot chilli
Prep Steps: The "Mise en Place" Bit
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop 1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Brown 1.5 lbs of ground beef in a pan. Drain the fat! No one wants greasy chilli. Trust me.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Open and drain 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans and 1 can (15 oz) of black beans. Have 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes and 1 can (4 oz) of green chilies ready to go. Measure out your spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if you’re feeling brave).
- Safety Reminders: Be careful when browning the beef. Splatters are a pain!
step-by-step: Turning Humble Ingredients into Glorious Grub
- Brown 1.5 lbs ground beef in a skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté chopped onion and green pepper until softened. Add minced garlic for the last minute.
- Transfer browned beef and veggies to your 6-quart crockpot .
- Add tomatoes, beans, chilies, spices, 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce and cocoa powder to the crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . Honestly, the longer, the better!
- Shred some beef with two forks if you like it chunky, about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and whatever else tickles your fancy!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chili Recipe Crock Pot Game
- Cocoa Powder is Key: Don't skip the 1 tbsp of cocoa powder. It adds a depth of flavour you won't believe! Its a must have in the beef chili recipe .
- Avoid This Mistake: Don't overcook. It can become mushy. You want it tender, not disintegrated!
- make-ahead Magic: The slow cooker chili meal prep is perfect for making ahead. It tastes even better the next day!
And there you have it. A cracking crock pot chilli recipe that's easy to make and tastes amazing. So get the ingredients, whack it all in the slow cooker, and get ready for a proper comforting meal.
You won't regret it!
Recipe Notes for The Best Easy Chili Crockpot Recipes
Right then, let's talk about the nitty gritty of my absolute fave, Slow Cooker Chili Recipe . Honestly, this is where the magic really happens.
It is also important to note that my version can be a great Slow Cooker Chili Meal Prep so you can have a hearty meal all week.
These little tweaks and tricks are what elevate a good crockpot chilli to something truly special. You know?
Serving like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this amazing beef chili recipe bubbling away. But presentation matters, yeah? Forget just slopping it in a bowl.
Try a nice swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro will add some zing.
Got guests? Serve your crockpot chilli in individual bowls alongside mini cornbread muffins. It will look so fancy. A side of tortilla chips and guacamole is always a winner.
You could add some lime wedges too. It is a fresh touch.
Storage Secrets
Listen, this easy crock pot chilli recipes make loads . It's a gift that keeps on giving!
If you have leftovers, let the chilli cool completely before popping it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Honestly, I always think it tastes even better the next day. The flavours meld even more.
Fancy batch cooking? This freezes brilliantly! Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It can last up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, just defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave.
Make sure it's piping hot, really hot all the way through!
Cracking Variations
Let's be real, sometimes you fancy a change, right? This basic chili recipe crock pot is perfect for tweaking.
Want to cut down on meat? No worries! Swap the beef for sweet potatoes. It'll be a belter. Add some extra beans, like pinto or cannellini, and you've got a hearty veggie version.
Use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Fancy a bit of a kick? Throw in a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. But be careful. Some people are soft when it comes to heat.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, I'm no dietician, but here's the gist. This crockpot chilli is packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans. It will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals. You know, the good stuff that keeps you ticking. Just be mindful of the sodium content in the canned goods.
Opt for lower sodium options where possible.
So, there you have it. My tips and tricks for the ultimate smoky crockpot chili . Get in the kitchen and have a go.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Honestly, you can't really go wrong. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crockpot chilli ahead of time? Like, could I prep it on Saturday for Sunday dinner?
Absolutely! Crockpot chilli is fantastic for making ahead. You can either prep all the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight, then throw them in the slow cooker in the morning. Or, you can fully cook the chilli on Saturday, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge.
The flavours actually develop even more overnight!
My crockpot chilli is too watery! How do I thicken it up a bit?
No worries, this happens! There are a few ways to thicken your crockpot chilli. You can remove the lid for the last hour or so of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornflour with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the chilli about 30 minutes before serving.
You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the sauce.
What are some good toppings for crockpot chilli? I want to go beyond just cheese and sour cream!
Crikey, there are loads of options! Think about adding some fresh elements to cut through the richness. Chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all great. You could also add some diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. For a bit of crunch, try some tortilla strips or oyster crackers.
A squeeze of lime juice adds a zingy freshness.
Can I freeze leftover crockpot chilli? I always end up with loads!
Definitely! Crockpot chilli freezes brilliantly. Let the chilli cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little bit of space at the top, as the chilli will expand when frozen. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is crockpot chilli healthy? It seems like it could be a bit of a gut-buster!
It can be part of a healthy diet! It is packed with protein and fibre. To make it even healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, load up on the veggies, and opt for low-sodium canned goods and broth. Be mindful of the toppings - go easy on the cheese and sour cream and pile on the fresh veggies instead.
And remember portion control!
I'm vegetarian, can I still enjoy a good bowl of crockpot chilli? What would I substitute for the meat?
Of course! Vegetarian crockpot chilli is delicious and easy to make. Simply replace the ground beef with a plant based ground meat alternative, or use a combination of vegetables like diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms. You can also add an extra can of beans for added protein and texture.
Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian.
Slow Cooker Sunday Funday Chilli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 10-15g |
