Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 lbs ground beef (cooked & drained)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Chili powder, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, & garlic powder (to taste)
- 4 cans chili beans with sauce
- 1/2-1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cans black beans (rinsed & drained)
- 1-2 cans tomatoes with green chilies
Instructions:
- Start by browning ground beef with onion, chili powder, seasoning, and garlic powder. Drain the fat, then transfer to crockpot.
- Add chili beans, beef broth, cocoa powder, black beans, and tomatoes to the crockpot.
- Blend a portion of the chili mixture until smooth, then stir back into the crockpot along with the cooked beef.
- Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I omit the cocoa powder?
- Q: How spicy is this chili?
- Q: Can I use kidney beans instead of black beans?
- Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Q: Can I add more vegetables to this chili?
- Q: How can I make this chili thicker?
- Q: Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
- Q: Is this chili gluten-free?
- Q: Can I add different toppings to this chili?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
A: The cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor of the chili, but you can omit it if preferred.
A: The spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and Slap Ya Mama seasoning.
A: Yes, kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans.
A: Yes, the chili can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
A: Additional vegetables such as bell peppers or corn can be added for extra flavor and texture.
A: Reduce the amount of beef broth or simmer the chili uncovered to thicken it.
A: Yes, the chili can be simmered on the stovetop for 1-2 hours until flavors are melded.
A: Check the labels on the ingredients used to ensure they are gluten-free for a gluten-free chili.
A: Toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado can be added when serving the chili.
Helpful tips:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the chili with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- For a smokier flavor, add a drop of liquid smoke to the chili.
- Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding to the crockpot.
- Leftover chili can be used as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use additional beans or tofu instead.
- Experiment with different types of beans or add in some diced bell peppers for variety.
Expert secrets:
- Cook the ground beef until nicely browned for a deeper flavor profile in the chili.
- Allow the flavors to meld by simmering the chili on low for a longer period of time.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional chili flavor.
- For a thicker chili, mix a tablespoon of cornmeal with a bit of water and stir into the pot.
- For a smokier chili, swap out the regular chili powder for chipotle chili powder.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a charred flavor in the chili.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Stir in a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a creamy texture and taste.
- For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeno pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Top the chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.