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The Best Crock-Pot Chili Recipe

The Best Crock-Pot Chili Recipe for Comfort in Every Bite

The Best Crock-Pot Chili Recipe offers comforting warmth and effortless preparation, creating a flavor explosion that is perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 3 lb Chuck Roast Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces for optimal searing
  • 1 TBS Salt Enhances flavor; adjust to your personal preference
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper Use freshly ground for a subtle heat boost
For the Vegetables
  • 2 TBS Vegetable Oil Ideal for searing beef; olive oil is a great substitute
  • 1 Onion Diced; adds natural sweetness and depth to the chili
  • 1 Bell Pepper Diced; choose any color for a lovely crunch and vibrant flavor
  • 1 TBS Jalapeños Diced; adds a touch of heat; adjust to your spice preference
  • 1 TBS Garlic Minced; fresh garlic amplifies the flavor beautifully
For the Base
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes 28 oz; provides moisture and acidity, forming the chili’s heart
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz; adds texture and flavor; low-sodium versions are available
  • 2 TBS Tomato Paste Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili
  • 2 cans Chili Beans or Red Kidney Beans 15 oz each, drained; boosts fiber and adds hearty texture
  • 2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce Elevates the umami profile; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative
For the Seasoning
  • 1/3 cup Ancho Chili Powder This key spice brings a rich, smoky flavor to the chili
  • 2 TBS Brown Sugar Balances the acidity of tomatoes; adjust based on your taste
  • 2 TBS Onion Powder Enhances the onion flavor; feel free to tweak it to your liking
  • 1 TBS Garlic Powder A convenient alternative to fresh garlic if you’re in a rush
  • 1 TBS Italian Seasoning Adds a blend of herbs for a lovely aromatic quality
  • 1 tsp Cumin Infuses warmth and earthiness into the chili
  • 1 tsp Allspice Introduces aromatic complexity for a unique flavor profile
For Cooking
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Adds richness and moisture to your chili
  • Salt and Pepper to taste for final adjustments in seasoning

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • large skillet
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ancho chili powder, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice. Mix well until evenly blended, creating the flavorful chili seasoning.
  2. Take your 3 lb chuck roast and cut it into 1 1/2-inch pieces for optimal tenderness. Sprinkle the chunks with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture. Make sure all sides are well-coated.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned roast pieces in batches, searing each side for about 3–4 minutes until browned and caramelized.
  4. Remove the meat and in the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sauté over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
  5. Transfer the seared meat and sautéed vegetables into your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained chili beans, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the remaining seasoning mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
  6. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 6–7 hours or on LOW for 10–12 hours.
  7. Once your chili is done cooking, carefully taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Spoon the comforting chili into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with toppings of your choice, such as sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 1200mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 25mg

Notes

Allow the chuck roast to sit out for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking for better searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan while searing to prevent steaming.

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