On a chilly day, nothing beats the mouthwatering aroma of Spicy Crockpot Chili. Thanks to the magic of your slow cooker, this dish delivers robust flavors with minimal effort. When you need an easy dinner, this simple recipe promises a meal that will warm the heart and soul of your family.
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'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: The cornerstone of our chili, bringing richness and depth. 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.
- Yellow or Red Pepper: These colorful characters add a pop of color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Feel free to use whatever bell pepper you have on hand; they're all equally delicious here.
- 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: This brings a bright touch of acidity that balances all the flavors. White vinegar or even a squeeze of lime juice can serve as substitutes.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Dried Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: Our spice squad! Together, they create that quintessential chili flavor with a kick. Feel free to adjust these to suit your taste buds, especially the cayenne pepper.
- Rolls: Perfect for scooping up this hearty chili. Of course, any bread you love will be just as delightful.
- Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro, and Limes: These toppings are not just garnishes but integral players that bring their own textures and flavors.
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. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get the family to eat more greens (or yellows and reds).
- 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.
- Cheese, Please: Sprinkling cheese on top of your chili isn’t just a garnish; it’s a necessity. As it melts under the broiler, it creates a gooey, delicious layer that makes every bite better than the last.
- Bread Bowl Bonanza: Serving chili in hollowed-out rolls isn’t just adorable; it’s practical. It’s a bowl you can eat! Plus, it cuts down on washing up, which is always a win in my book.
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.
Spicy Crock Pot Chili
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.
Summer Len Davis
OH my gosh this chili looks amazing, but in those bread bowls? I'm drooling! <3
Shannon Graham
I love making chili in the crock pot. The flavor is amazing. Sounds delish!
tara pittman
This cold day here is perfect for chili. This looks so delicious.
Wendy Polisi
Thanks so much Tara.
Sarah Bailey
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
I love my slow cooker and these look delicious. Definitely something I would be interested to try.
corinne & kirsty
These look so so good! and colorful! which makes them even more attractive! i would love to try this recipe!
LavandaMichelle
I bet this tastes absolutely delicious and perfect for the season. I can't wait to make these.
Ada
This chili looks so good. I have been also loving all the curbside pickup options at grocery stores lately. Such a time saver.
Diana
This looks so delicious. I will definitely try this in this cold.
fashionmommy
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
This looks so yummy! Might give this a try tonight, I’m sure my kids will enjoy this to. Thankyou for sharing
Kelly Hutchinson
Now this is my type of recipe! I love spicy chili and would have not thought to top it on the GF rolls. Yum!