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Ultimate Hearty Chili Crockpot Recipe Easy for a Crowd to Make

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A hearty, flavorful chili slow-cooked in a crockpot, perfect for feeding a crowd with simple ingredients and rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) canned diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Dice the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño (if using). Mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the beans.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the meat and veggies. Stir well and toast spices for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained beans, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  7. Stir the chili, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
  8. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

Brown the meat and sauté veggies before slow cooking to develop deeper flavors. Adjust seasoning after cooking. If chili is too watery, cook uncovered for last 30 minutes to reduce. Leftovers taste better after a day. For vegetarian version, swap meat for extra beans and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, crockpot chili, hearty chili, slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, easy chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/ultimate-hearty-chili-crockpot-recipe-easy-for-a-crowd-to-make/