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Hearty Crockpot Chili

Hearty Crockpot Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

Hearty Crockpot Chili is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings, filled with savory flavors and versatile options.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 4 slices Bacon Adds richness; substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Use 80/20 blend or ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Can be omitted for a meatless version.
  • 6 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can be replaced with crushed tomatoes if desired.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Offers sweetness; yellow or orange bell pepper are great substitutes.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Adds crunch and flavor.
  • 2 stalks Celery Adds texture; feel free to omit for a low-carb choice.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Substitute with shallots if you prefer.
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Optional; swap for extra bell pepper for milder taste.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Use fresh or powdered garlic based on availability.
For the Beans and Tomatoes
  • 3 cans Chili Beans Use pinto beans in chili sauce.
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes Use fresh diced tomatoes for a fresher taste.
For the Spices
  • 3 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust according to your preferred spice level.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano Can substitute with mixed Italian herbs.
  • 2 teaspoons Cumin Coriander can serve as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh basil can be substituted for a lively finish.
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoned Salt Regular salt and garlic powder work if out.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional; customize according to desired spice level.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Consider smoked paprika for more intensity.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Balances acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cubes Beef Bouillon Can be replaced with homemade broth.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving drippings.
  2. Sauté finely diced red and green bell peppers, celery, yellow onion, and minced garlic in the bacon drippings over medium heat for 5–8 minutes.
  3. Stir in chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, and dried basil into the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 1–3 minutes.
  4. Transfer the seasoned vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, scraping every bit from the skillet.
  5. Add chili beans, diced tomatoes, granulated sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bouillon cubes to the slow cooker and mix well.
  6. Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, then drain excess fat and add to slow cooker with bacon.
  7. Cover and cook on low heat for 6–8 hours, uncovering for the last 30 minutes if a thicker consistency is desired.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; serve hot with toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or shredded cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This Hearty Crockpot Chili is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for several days or frozen for later use.

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