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thick beef chili in a ceramic bowl topped with shredded cheese and green onions

Classic Hearty Crockpot Chili

Mealoras
A thick, savory slow-cooked beef chili perfect for effortless family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course dinner
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 14 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes with juice
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  • Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, then season with salt and black pepper.
  • Cook the beef and vegetables until the meat is no longer pink, then carefully drain away the excess fat.
  • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add the chili powder, ground cumin, chipotle, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
  • Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the rinsed kidney beans.
  • Stir all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
  • Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker to Low for 8 to 10 hours or High for 4 to 5 hours.
  • Give the chili a final stir before serving hot in bowls.

Notes

• Rinse the beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess starch and salt.
• Cold start: If you are prepping ahead, you can brown the meat the night before and store it in the fridge until you are ready to start the slow cooker.
• Spice control: To reduce the heat, simply lower the amount of cayenne pepper used.
• Topping ideas: Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or fresh jalapeños for the best experience.