On a chilly day, nothing beats a mouthwatering spicy crockpot chili. Featuring ground beef, pepper, pinto beans, tomatoes, and more, this chili is packed with flavor yet requires minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Only 15 minutes of prep is all that’s needed — perfect for busy days when you need an effortless dinner!
Few things say comfort food to me more than a bowl of chili.
And let me tell you, if there's a champion of cozy, soul-nurturing dishes, it's my Spicy Crockpot Chili. It is one of my go-to time-saving slow cooker recipes.
Like my Crockpot potato soup with cream cheese, Crockpot lasagna soup, and Crockpot broccoli cheese soup, it's the kind of recipe that invites you to kick off your shoes, wrap yourself in a blanket, and lose yourself in its comforting depths.
Whether it's game day, a family get-together, or just a chilly evening when you're craving something spicy and satisfying, this slow cooker chili recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: For my vegetarian friends, feel free to swap this out with a meat substitute or even lentils for a hearty alternative.
- Onion: Any type will do, but I love using a sweet onion for that extra hint of sweetness amidst the spice.
- Jalapeños: Here's where we start turning up the heat. Seeding them takes down the fire a notch, but if you're a thrill-seeker, leave some seeds in! Or, for a milder ride, feel free to omit
- Garlic: If you're in a pinch, garlic powder can also do the trick.
- Cooked Pinto Beans: Black beans or kidney beans make for great substitutes if that's what you have in your pantry.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can also work well if you like your chili with a bit more texture.
- Dr. Pepper: The secret ingredient! It adds an unexpected depth and sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. Cola or root beer are fun alternatives that keep the spirit of this unique addition alive.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or even a squeeze of lime juice can serve as substitutes.
Tips and Tricks
- The Secret’s in the Sauté: Starting off by sautéing your ground beef adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get otherwise. If your crockpot has a sauté feature, fantastic! If not, a quick browning on the stove does wonders.
- Veggie Volume: Don’t shy away from adding more veggies than the recipe calls for. Onion, yellow pepper, and jalapeño bring not only vibrant colors but also layers of flavor.
- The Dr. Pepper Delight: Yes, adding Dr. Pepper sounds like a wild card, but trust me, it introduces a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the spice beautifully. It’s my secret ingredient, and now it’s yours too!
- Spice It Up (Or Down): The beauty of homemade chili is tailoring the spice to your liking. Love the heat? Be generous with the cayenne pepper. Feeding little ones or spice-wary adults? Dial it back. You’re in control here.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Flavor Race: While the high setting on your crockpot might be tempting for a quicker meal, letting your chili simmer on low for 8 hours allows the flavors to meld together in a way that’s pure magic.
- Bread Bowl Bonanza: Serving chili in hollowed-out rolls isn’t just adorable; it’s practical. It’s a bowl you can eat! For football parties where there is a full buffet of offerings, I like to do little rolls like you see here.
Spicy Crockpot Beef and Bean Chili with a Kick!
On a chilly day, nothing beats a mouthwatering spicy crockpot chili. Featuring ground beef, pepper, pinto beans, tomatoes, and more, this chili is packed with flavor yet requires minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Only 15 minutes of prep is all that’s needed — perfect for busy days when you need an effortless dinner! This simple recipe promises a meal that will warm the heart and soul of your family.
Servings: 8
Calories: 282kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 yellow or red pepper chopped
- 3 jalapeños seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 15 ounces cooked pinto beans 1 can
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup Dr. Pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- For serving: Gluten Free Rolls optional Shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and limes
Instructions
- Set your slow cooker to saute and add ground beef. (You can also do this on the stove if your crock pot doesn’t have a saute function.)
- Cook until almost brown. Add onion, yellow pepper, jalapeño and garlic. Cook for 8 minutes.
- Add pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, Dr. Pepper, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano and cayenne pepper. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Cook over high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- If desired, cut the center out of gluten free rolls. (Reserve for breadcrumbs.) Add chili to the "bowls" and top with cheese. Place under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Notes
Note: Browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables is optional. I prefer it this way, but you can also simply add everything to your crock pot and cook.
Nutrition
Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1375IU | Vitamin C: 36.1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4.6mg
More Crockpot Recipes
- Crockpot Taco Soup: This taco soup is like a hug in a bowl, combining the convenience of a crockpot with bold Southwestern flavors.
- Crockpot Mexican Casserole: This Mexican casserole is a fuss-free way to bring a fiesta to your dinner table, with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
- Crockpot Potato Soup: This recipe promises velvety smooth goodness in every spoonful.
- Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup: This broccoli cheese soup is a creamy, cheesy delight that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Summer Len Davis says
OH my gosh this chili looks amazing, but in those bread bowls? I'm drooling! <3
tara pittman says
This cold day here is perfect for chili. This looks so delicious.
Wendy Polisi says
Thanks so much Tara.
Sarah Bailey says
Oh my goodness I bet this tastes absolutely delicious - it has been ages since I've had a good chilli and homemade is always the best.
Mira says
I love my slow cooker and these look delicious. Definitely something I would be interested to try.
corinne & kirsty says
These look so so good! and colorful! which makes them even more attractive! i would love to try this recipe!
LavandaMichelle says
I bet this tastes absolutely delicious and perfect for the season. I can't wait to make these.
Ada says
This chili looks so good. I have been also loving all the curbside pickup options at grocery stores lately. Such a time saver.
Diana says
This looks so delicious. I will definitely try this in this cold.
fashionmommy says
This would be a perfect warming dish for when we come in from watching live football, it is so cold at the moment you need food with a kick.
Emma white says
This looks so yummy! Might give this a try tonight, I’m sure my kids will enjoy this to. Thankyou for sharing
Kelly Hutchinson says
Now this is my type of recipe! I love spicy chili and would have not thought to top it on the GF rolls. Yum!