Description
Hearty crockpot chili combines robust beef, aromatic spices, and rich tomatoes for a comforting meal. Home cooks can savor this classic dish with minimal preparation and maximum flavor satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsps ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Foundation: Caramelize onions and bell peppers in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic to enhance the aromatic base.
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef thoroughly, meticulously breaking it into fine crumbles while ensuring complete cooking.
- Spice Infusion: Merge chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and optional cayenne pepper with tomato paste, creating an intense flavor concentrate.
- Liquid Integration: Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into the mixture, gently incorporating kidney and black beans to develop a rich, complex profile.
- Slow Cooking Process: Transfer the chili to a crockpot, setting on low heat for 4-6 hours. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and promote uniform flavor development.
- Culinary Finale: Customize the dish with optional garnishes like sharp cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or fresh cilantro to elevate the sensory experience.
Notes
- Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is completely browned with no pink remaining to eliminate potential bacteria and enhance flavor depth.
- Spice Balance Mastery: Adjust cayenne and chili powder gradually, tasting as you go to control heat level without overwhelming the dish’s complexity.
- Bean Texture Perfection: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent a starchy consistency, maintaining a clean, robust chili profile.
- Slow Cooking Wisdom: Resist lifting the crockpot lid frequently, as each peek releases heat and extends cooking time, potentially disrupting the flavor melding process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg