When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you up. Our Crockpot Chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful medley of flavors and the convenience of slow cooking. Whether it's for a cozy night in, a game day gathering, or a potluck, this recipe is a winner.
Unveiling the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, gather these quality ingredients:
1. Meaty Foundation
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (spicy or regular)
2. Aromatic Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
3. Wholesome Beans
- 30 ounces of kidney beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained (2 cans of 15 oz each)
- 15 ounces of pinto beans, also rinsed well and drained (1 can)
4. Tomatoes Galore
- 29 ounces of diced tomatoes, including the juice, from a whole can
- 3 ounces of tomato paste
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
5. Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
6. Spice It Up
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne for a touch of heat
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or granulated sugar for a hint of sweetness
Crafting Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece
Now, let's embark on the journey to create this delectable Crockpot Chili:
1. Start by browning the lean ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. A touch of pink is just right, as they'll continue cooking in the slow cooker.
2. Add the finely diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, infusing your chili with aroma and flavor.
3. Transfer this savory mixture to a 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker.
4. Add the kidney and pinto beans to the slow cooker, creating a hearty base for your chili.
5. Top this off with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and hot sauce, ensuring a rich and robust flavor profile.
6. It's time to introduce the array of spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne for a kick, salt, pepper, and a touch of brown sugar for balance. Stir everything together for an aromatic blend.
7. Place the lid on the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. You can simmer it on low for 4 to 6 hours or opt for a quicker cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Your slow-cooker chili is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, or tortilla chips, for that perfect finishing touch.
In conclusion, our Crockpot Chili recipe is the epitome of convenience and flavor. It's a fantastic dish to warm your soul on a cold day or to share with friends and family during special gatherings. Give it a try and experience the heartwarming goodness of this classic comfort food.