Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Recipes
When I think of comfort food, Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili instantly comes to mind. I love how easily I can throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The combination of spices, hearty beef, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and flavorful chili that warms my soul. It's the perfect dish for cozy nights in or when I have friends over. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal meal prep option!
Making Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili has become an annual tradition in my household. Each fall, I gather the freshest ingredients and spices to create this warming dish. The beauty of cooking chili in a slow cooker is how the flavors meld together over time, resulting in a depth of taste you simply can't achieve otherwise.
One tip I've learned is to sear the beef before adding it to the pot. This locks in the meat's juices and enhances the overall flavor of the chili. Trust me, it makes all the difference in creating a rich, hearty meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Spicy kick balanced with deliciously tender beef
- Convenient one-pot meal that saves time
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
Choosing the Right Beef
When it comes to selecting beef for your chili, I recommend using ground chuck because it has a good fat-to-meat ratio, around 80/20. This balance keeps the chili rich and flavorful without being overly greasy. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground sirloin can also be a suitable choice, though it may result in a slightly drier texture. Make sure to brown the beef until it's browned and crumbly; this step builds the foundation of flavor for your chili.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a unique flavor twist. The pork adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. Just remember that cooking times may remain the same, as both types of meat generally require similar cooking durations in the slow cooker.
Spice It Up
The beauty of this Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili lies in its spices. While the provided measurements offer a wonderful base, feel free to adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your heat preference. For a bolder flavor, you can even incorporate additional spices like chipotle powder or cayenne pepper—just add a little at a time and taste as you go. With slow cooking, the flavors meld beautifully, so don't be afraid to experiment slightly.
Also, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the chili for a delightful depth of flavor. These ingredients will enhance the savory notes of the beef and the other vegetables, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a hearty chili:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your chili:
Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat and transfer it to the crockpot.
Add Ingredients
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, corn, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook in the Crockpot
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chili is rich and flavorful.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chili with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating
This chili is a fantastic option for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making the leftovers an even tastier option. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers; it will last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen chili, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until heated through. If it seems too thick after thawing, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. You can serve it alone, but consider pairing it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. For a complete meal, top the chili with sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and diced green onions. The coolness of the toppings nicely contrasts with the heat of the chili.
If you're craving a more substantial meal, ladle the chili over rice or quinoa. This makes for a hearty dish that's perfect for satisfying a bigger appetite. Additionally, mixing in some avocado slices right before serving offers a creaminess that complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with lentils or a variety of beans.
→ How long will the chili last in the refrigerator?
It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
→ Can I freeze leftover chili?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Some great toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, and green onions.
Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili
When I think of comfort food, Crockpot Southwestern Beef Chili instantly comes to mind. I love how easily I can throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The combination of spices, hearty beef, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and flavorful chili that warms my soul. It's the perfect dish for cozy nights in or when I have friends over. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it an ideal meal prep option!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat and transfer it to the crockpot.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, corn, and season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chili is rich and flavorful.
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g