Looking for a hearty, hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Chilli Recipe Crockpot, specifically Cowboy Chiliis your ticket to a simple, delicious meal! Thanks to the magic of the slow cooker, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot does all the work for you, blending ground beef, beans, and zesty tomatoes into a comforting dish. Known as Cowboy Chili, it’s a fun twist on traditional chili, inspired by the cattle drive days when cowboys tossed whatever they had like peppers and beans into a pot. Ready in just a few hours, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot is perfect for busy days. Let’s get started with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why is this Chilli Recipe Crockpot a must-try? It’s incredibly easy—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it simmer while you go about your day. The result is a warm, flavorful chili that fills your home with an amazing aroma. Unlike Texas chili (which famously skips beans—don’t @ me, Texans!), this Cowboy version embraces them for a hearty, filling meal. It’s versatile too—top it with your favorites like cheese or sour cream. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a rainy afternoon, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot delivers comfort food at its best, with minimal effort.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Chilli Recipe Crockpot, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Don’t have what you need? Visit Our Shop for quality tools to make your cooking a breeze!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model is ideal for this recipe (Serious Eats guide to top slow cookers).
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef beforehand.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop onions and peppers.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Can opener: To open those tomato and bean cans.
These tools make this Chilli Recipe Crockpot a snap to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty Chilli Recipe Crockpot (serves 6-8):
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained (or pinto beans)
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (green, yellow, or orange work too)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional: 1 diced jalapeño for heat
These ingredients bring the bold, hearty flavor that makes this Chilli Recipe Crockpot a standout.
Directions
Ready to make your Chilli Recipe Crockpot? Here’s how:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Load the Crockpot: Add browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin. Add the chopped red bell pepper and beef broth. For a kick, toss in a diced jalapeño if you like.
- Stir and Cook: Give everything a quick stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Once done, ladle into bowls and top with your favorites—think cheddar cheese, sour cream, or red onions.
Expert Tips for the Best Chilli Recipe Crockpot
Want to nail this Chilli Recipe Crockpot? Try these tips:
- Brown the beef: It adds depth—don’t skip this step.
- Hide the veggies: Red bell peppers blend in after cooking, perfect for picky eaters.
- Adjust spice: Start with less chili powder if you’re spice-shy, then taste and add more.
- Use stewed tomatoes: They boost flavor over plain diced ones.
- Stir occasionally: If you’re home, a quick mix halfway ensures even cooking.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8.5 hours
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot is a set-it-and-forget-it dream!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t trip up on these:
- Skipping the drain: Excess grease makes it oily—drain that beef.
- Overloading salt: Taste first—beans and broth add some already.
- Undercooking: Low and slow is best for flavor melding.
- Wrong pot size: A 6-quart crockpot fits it all—too small, and it overflows.
Variations
Customize your Chilli Recipe Crockpot with these twists:
- Bean Swap: Try pinto, black, or a mix instead of kidney beans.
- Meat Mix: Use ground turkey or half beef, half sausage.
- Spice Boost: Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Veggie Add-ins: Toss in corn or diced zucchini.
- No beans: Go Texas-style and skip them entirely.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth (5-10 minutes).
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
- Why Cowboy Chili?
It’s inspired by cattle drive meals—beans stretch the beef for hearty servings. - Can I skip beans?
Yes! Omit them for a Texas vibe—still delicious. - Stovetop option?
Brown beef, onions, and peppers, then simmer all ingredients for 20-30 minutes. - Too thick?
Add more beef broth or pasta water if you’ve got it. - Kid-friendly?
Use mild flavors—skip jalapeños and cut chili powder to 2 tbsp.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot shines because it’s fuss-free and flavor-packed. The slow cooker melds the spices, tomatoes, and beef into a rich, cohesive dish, while beans add heartiness. It’s forgiving—use what you’ve got, from different beans to peppers—and the long cook time means you can start it in the morning and come home to dinner ready. Toppings like cornbread or cheese make it a full meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chilli Recipe Crockpot with flair! Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and diced red onions for crunch. Pair it with homemade cornbread for dipping, or keep it simple with Saltines. A side salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness, making it a complete, cozy meal.
Conclusion
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot—Cowboy Chili—is your new go-to for easy, delicious comfort food. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, it’s perfect for busy days or lazy weekends. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and grab essentials at Our Shop for more crockpot wins. Get the full recipe at eatingonadime.com—just search “Cowboy Chili”—and let me know how you love it! Happy cooking!
