Imagine walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked beef, smoky cumin, and sweet tomatoes. This award-winning beef chili is the ultimate comfort food. It is thick, hearty, and packed with deep flavors that only several hours of slow cooking can achieve. Whether you are preparing for a big game, a chilly autumn evening, or a family gathering, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the spices meld together perfectly to create a rich sauce that coats every bean and piece of meat.
Why Make This Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot
This recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. You spend a few minutes browning the meat, and then the crockpot does all the hard work for you. Second, it is a great way to feed a large group of people without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the spices to penetrate deep into the beef, creating a complex flavor profile that quick stovetop chilis often lack. Additionally, this chili is very versatile. You can adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preference or add different toppings to make it your own. It is a complete, high-protein meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
How to Make Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot
Making this chili is a simple process that yields professional results. You start by browning your ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. This step is crucial because it develops a rich, savory base and ensures the meat has a great texture. Once the meat is browned and the onions are soft, you simply transfer everything into your slow cooker. Add your beans, tomatoes, broth, and a special blend of spices. Give it a good stir, set the timer, and walk away. By the time you are ready to eat, the chili will have thickened into a beautiful, dark red stew with a deep, smoky scent.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped bell peppers, kidney beans, and pinto beans to the crockpot.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
- Taste the chili before serving and adjust the salt or spices if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information
This nutritional information is an estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 31g
- Iron: 30% DV
- Potassium: 850mg
How to Serve Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot
Serving this chili is half the fun because of all the wonderful topping options. For a classic look, ladle the hot chili into deep bowls and top with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro add a bright pop of color and flavor. If you like a bit of crunch, serve the chili with corn chips or salty crackers on the side. For a heartier meal, pour the chili over a bed of fluffy white rice or a baked potato. A side of warm, buttery cornbread is also a traditional and delicious accompaniment that helps soak up every last drop of the rich sauce.
How to Store Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot
One of the best things about chili is that it often tastes even better the next day! To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely at room temperature. Transfer it into airtight containers and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this chili freezes beautifully. Place the cooled chili in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little bit of space at the top for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until it is piping hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot
To get the best results, always brown your meat before putting it in the slow cooker. This adds a layer of “umami” flavor that you cannot get by raw-cooking the meat in liquid. If you prefer a very thick chili, you can mash a small handful of the beans against the side of the pot about 30 minutes before serving; the starch will naturally thicken the sauce. Also, do not be afraid to taste as you go. Toward the end of the cooking time, check if it needs more salt or a pinch more cumin. If the chili is too acidic from the tomatoes, adding a teaspoon of brown sugar can balance the flavors perfectly.
Delicious Variations
While this recipe is excellent as written, you can easily change it up. For a “White Beef Chili,” use white beans like Cannellini and replace the tomato sauce with more beef broth and a splash of cream. If you want extra vegetables, feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even corn kernels. For those who love heat, add chopped jalapeños or a spoonful of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. If you want a chunkier texture, you can use small cubes of beef chuck roast instead of ground beef. Just ensure the beef cubes are small enough to become tender during the slow cooking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of this chili.
2. Do I have to use beans?
No, if you prefer a “Texas-style” chili, you can leave the beans out and add an extra pound of meat instead.
3. How can I make the chili spicier?
You can increase the cayenne pepper, add red pepper flakes, or stir in some chopped hot peppers like habaneros.
4. Is it okay to cook this on high for a shorter time?
Yes, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works well, but cooking on low for 8 hours usually results in more tender meat and deeper flavor.
5. Can I add the beans at the end?
If you use canned beans, they are already cooked. Adding them at the beginning allows them to absorb flavor, but adding them in the last hour prevents them from becoming too soft.
6. What if my chili is too watery?
Leave the lid off for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
7. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Follow the browning steps in a large pot, add all other ingredients, and simmer on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
8. Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the liquid in the canned tomatoes adds a lot of flavor and contributes to the sauce of the chili.
9. Can I use dried beans?
If using dried beans, you must soak and boil them until tender before adding them to the slow cooker, as they may not soften properly in the acidic tomato environment.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice labels and beef broth to ensure no gluten-based thickeners were added.
Conclusion
This Award Winning Beef Chili Crockpot is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. It is the perfect meal for busy families who want a nutritious, homemade dinner waiting for them at the end of the day. With its rich texture and savory spices, it is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try this weekend and see why it earns so many compliments! We would love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to share your favorite toppings or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
