Tremendous Crock-Pot Chili
A hearty, flavorful crock-pot chili featuring ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic or 1 tablespoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans chopped tomatoes (28 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 cans Ranch Style white beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and discard the fat.
- Combine all the ingredients in the crock-pot, stirring well.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked ground beef can speed up the process. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Feel free to add diced bell peppers or corn for additional texture, or swap in black beans for Ranch Style white beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips, making it a perfect comfort food. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Nana'S Brown Rice Pilaf. This dish also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos, adding versatility to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. This chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tremendous Crock-Pot Chili contains roughly 800 calories, with 41g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1401mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans like black beans and kidney beans. You might also want to add some chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld well.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To ramp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You could also stir in some hot sauce or use a spicier chili powder. If you're a fan of smoky flavors, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can add both heat and depth to your chili.
How do I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, allowing it to cook for a few more minutes. Adding more beans or even some mashed potatoes can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).