The best crockpot chili recipe is loaded with ground beef, veggies and fresh peppers for a hearty meal that warms you up on a cold day!
If you’re looking for a recipe that does all the work for you, a crockpot is the way to go! The best part about this chili recipe is how truly hands-off it is. You just toss everything in and let the crockpot work its magic all day long. Not only does this save you so much time, but cooking chili low and slow is the secret to getting that rich, deep flavor you just can’t get on the stovetop. Plus, since it’s all in one pot, cleanup is a total breeze!
Key Ingredients for the Best Chili
This recipe is packed with so much flavor, and it all comes from a few key ingredients. There’s nothing complicated here, but each one plays an important role in making this chili taste incredible!
The Meat: We start with lean ground beef for a hearty, protein-packed base. I love using ground sirloin because it’s so lean, which means you don’t have to worry about draining a ton of fat before adding the other ingredients.
The Peppers: A mix of jalapeno and green bell pepper gives us a classic chili flavor, but the real star here is the poblano pepper! As I mention in the recipe, these peppers add a deep, rich flavor to the chili that is just so good.
The Spices: The soul of any great chili is in the spices. We use chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to build layers of warmth and a subtle smoky flavor that brings everything together.
The Secret Ingredients: There are two things that make this chili extra special! Apple cider adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess that perfectly balances the rich, savory flavors. And at the very end, we stir in a little Jiffy Cornbread mix! It’s an old family trick that helps thicken the chili and adds a delicious flavor boost.
*Optional Garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced avocados, tortilla chips… Or serve with moist cornbread!
My tips and tricks:
I want you to have the most incredible chili experience, so here are a few of my best tips and tricks to make sure it turns out perfectly every single time!
Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: I know it’s an extra step, but browning the ground beef first is so important. It creates a deep, savory flavor that you just can’t get from adding raw meat to the slow cooker.
The Perfect Thickener: That little bit of Jiffy Cornbread mix at the end is my secret weapon! It’s the perfect, simple trick for getting the most wonderful, thick consistency. Plus, it adds a little bit of sweetness that makes the flavor even more delicious.
Adjusting the Heat: This recipe is perfect as-is, but if you want to kick things up a notch, a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce is all you need to add a little more spice!
Make-Ahead & Storage
A good chili recipe is a lifesaver, and this one is perfect for meal prepping! You can even brown the ground beef and chop up all your veggies a day in advance to save even more time.
Storage: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, this chili stores beautifully! Just place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop. It tastes just as good the next day!
Serving & Garnishing Ideas
The fun doesn’t end when the chili is done cooking! You can make each bowl of chili your own with some yummy garnishes.
Classic Toppings: You can’t go wrong with classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped green onions.
Creative Garnishes: I love adding sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor. And a handful of crunchy corn chips is always a good idea!
What to Serve With It: A steaming bowl of chili is best served with a side of my moist cornbread. It’s the perfect combination!
I want to know what YOU think… Please review the recipe card!
The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: I’m using 90-10 ground sirloin.
- 1 large yellow onion or sweet onion diced
- 1 jalapeno diced with seeds removed. Remove seeds for milk flavor, or add seeds for spice.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped small
- 2 poblano peppers diced, with seeds removed. These peppers add so much flavor to chili!
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 15 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 15 ounce can of red kidney beans drained
- 1 15 ounce can of black beans drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 tablespoons Jiffy Cornbread mix
- salt and pepper to taste
- *Optional Garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, sliced avocados, tortilla chips… Or serve with moist cornbread!
Instructions
- This recipe is super simple to make and it only takes about 10 minutes!
- First, brown your ground beef in a hot skillet over medium high heat. (about 5 minutes). And it it to your crock pot.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients to your crockpot: chopped onion, minced garlic, all the chopped peppers, canned tomatoes, beans, and spices. Give it a stir till well combined.
- Adjust temperature on your crockpot to the high setting.
- Let it cook all day.. OR for about 4-6 hours. If you need it to cook longer, use the low heat setting;)
- Before serving, stir in 3-4 tablespoons jiffy cornbread mix till thickened:)
- Garnish individual bowl with shredded cheese, chopped green onions or cilantro, sour cream, avocado and corn chips!
- Serve with moist cornbread, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
About Juliea
Juliea Huffaker is the creator of Farmhouse Harvest, and dedicated to teaching from-scratch cooking, sourdough baking, gardening, and food preservation. With over 25 years of hands-on experience she has preserved hundreds of jars of produce, mastered the art of meats and sourdough baking, and nurtured a thriving organic garden. Her recipes and articles have been featured across the web. And she’s passionate about inspiring others to embrace a simpler, self-sufficient life style.
1 comment
Timber
Great combo! Love this recipe