Looking for a cozy, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? Dive into the world of "Karen's Crock Pot Chili," where rich flavors and tender ingredients meld together to create a dish that will have your taste buds dancing! This easy-to-follow recipe not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also promises to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or game day gatherings. With just a little prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll be serving up a bowl of comfort that everyone will love. Ready to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the crock pot.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
- Drain and rinse both kidney and black beans, then add them to the crock pot.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid.
- Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Stir thoroughly to combine all components.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, chop your onions and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in the fridge so they’re ready to go when you are.
- Meat Variations: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version of this chili.
- Bean Choices: Experiment with different types of beans! Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can add unique flavors and textures to your chili.
- Spice It Up: If you like your chili with a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Stir Occasionally: While the crock pot does most of the work, giving it a stir every couple of hours can help ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t forget the toppings! Serve your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped green onions to elevate the dish.
- Leftover Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
