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Crockpot Chili Recipe

Savory Crockpot Chili Recipe for Ultimate Comfort and Flavor

This Crockpot Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a hearty blend of smoky bacon, tender ground beef, and vibrant veggies.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 5 slices Bacon Chopped; omit for lighter version; use olive oil instead.
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef 80/20; browning enhances taste.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Mild or hot; adds complexity.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 each Red Bell Pepper Finely diced; provides sweetness.
  • 1 each Green Bell Pepper Finely diced; provides crunch.
  • 0.5 cup Celery Finely diced; contributes subtle flavor.
  • 1 cup Yellow Onion Finely diced; sweetens when sautéed.
  • 1 small Jalapeño Optional; adjust for spice.
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Minced; fresh recommended.
For the Sauce
  • 6 ounces Tomato Paste Thickens chili and enriches flavor.
  • 48 ounces Chili Beans 3×16-ounce cans; pinto in chili sauce.
  • 56 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes 2×28-ounce cans.
  • 4 tablespoons Chili Powder Key seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
  • 0.75 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional; adjust for heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3 cubes Beef Bouillon Cubes Use vegetable bouillon for vegetarian.
For Serving
  • Toppings Sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Skillet
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the fat in the skillet.
  2. Add finely diced red and green bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic to the bacon grease. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until tender.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, cumin, basil, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 1–3 minutes.
  4. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the crockpot. Add chili beans, petite diced tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and bouillon cubes. Stir well to combine.
  5. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and add to the crockpot.
  6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
  7. Once cooked, stir the chili and serve it with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 5mg

Notes

For best results, always brown the meat and sauté vegetables in bacon grease.

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