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This slow cooker beef chili is the ultimate comforting meal, made even better with a surprising secret ingredient! This crockpot beef chili will be surefire hit and you’ll be hooked on how the sweetness and spices come together to create the best crockpot chili.
Tis the season for comfort food meals, crockpot meals, and delicious soups! I love this time of year. You start to feel the chill in the air and it welcomes in cozy nights at home. It is also the time of year that we eat a lot of chili!
Sometimes we just need a dump and go chili recipe that makes dinnertime that much easier. This Crockpot Beef Chii is the recipe for you!
Why you will love this Crockpot Chili:
- It is so EASY to make and throw together. The only prep that needs to be done is cooking the ground beef in a skillet with onion and jalapeno. That’s it! Then you throw all of the ingredients into a crockpot and let it simmer.
- It is absolutely delicious, hearty, and the perfect classic chili recipe. It has the perfect amount of spice and smoky flavor. You will love this easy crockpot chili recipe!
- Another benefit it is that you can keep it warm in the crockpot so it is perfect for serving at parties or keeping warm for family members or friends eating dinner at different times.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili Ingredients:
What do you need to make beef chili in the crockpot? It is made of simple ingredients plus one *secret* ingredient that makes it extra special.
- Lean Ground Beef: I suggest using a 85% lean ground beef (I wouldn’t suggest using any ground beef under 80%. If you do, just drain the grease before adding to the crockpot).
- Onion
- Jalapeno
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper
- Canned Tomato Sauce (no seasonings added)
- Petite Diced Tomatoes (can be with green chilies for extra flavor)
- Chili Beans: I like to use the chili beans with a sauce so it adds more flavor. I use a mix of the kidney chili beans and the pinto chili beans.
- Spices: Chii Powder, Cumin, salt and Pepper
- Dr. Pepper or Coke: This is the secret ingredient and a total game changer. Read below as to find out why.
Why do I add Dr. Pepper or Coke to the chili recipe?
The addition of Dr Pepper or Coke to crockpot beef chili may sound unusual, but it’s a game changer! The sweetness of the soda balances the acidity from the tomatoes and deepens the richness. The carbonation helps tenderize the meat during the slow cooking process, ensuring you end up with melt-in-your-mouth beef. Dr Pepper has an even more complex flavor with notes of cherry and spices, which can complement the chili seasoning. I have used it in my Best Chili Recipe and people give it 5 stars!
How to make the Best Crockpot Beef Chili:
This is such a quick and easy chili and we love a simple crockpot recipe!
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or add 1 Tablespoon of oil. Add onion, jalapeno, and ground beef. Break up the ground beef with a spatula into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain off any grease, if needed.
- Add the ground beef mixture to a crockpot. Add in garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, chili beans, and a can of Dr. Pepper or Coke (no diet). Place a lid over the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Stir and taste for seasonings and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder, as desired. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, and any of your favorite toppings.
What are popular chili toppings:
Are you wondering what to put on top of your chili? The toppings can add freshness, creaminess, and even crunch. Here are some chili topping ideas:
- Cheese: Use shredded cheddar, Mexican cheese blend, or pepper jack cheese
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
- Cilantro
- Green Onions
- Tortilla Strips or Frito’s
- Jalapenos (pickled or fresh)
FAQ’s:
Can I make this crockpot chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. The slow cooker method will work the same, but the flavor will slightly differ based on the protein you use.
How can I make this chili spicier?
You can add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat. I would suggest using 2 jalapeno peppers instead of 1. If you want even more spice, try adding a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Can I use diet soda instead?
It’s best to use regular soda because diet versions don’t caramelize in the same way, and they may leave an artificial aftertaste in the chili.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more beef broth, water, or even a splash of extra Dr Pepper or Coke. Start with 1/4 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
More Chili Recipes:
If you love easy chili recipes, check out these popular chili recipes below…
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Crockpot Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Ground Beef (lean)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 1 Jalapeno (finely diced)
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- (1) 14-ounce can Tomato Sauce (no seasonings)
- (1) 14.5 ounce can Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- (1) 12-ounce can Dr. Pepper or Coke (not diet)
- (2) cans Chili Beans (I like to use seasoned chili beans)
Topping Ideas:
- Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Avocado, Jalapeno, Tortilla Strips
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or add 1 Tablespoon of oil. Add onion, jalapeno, and ground beef. Break up the ground beef with a spatula into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain off any grease, if needed.
- Add the ground beef mixture to a crockpot. Add garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, chili beans, and a can of Dr. Pepper or Coke (no diet). Place a lid over the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours
- Stir and taste for seasonings and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder, as desired. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, and any of your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Loved it! Will definitely make again!!
Thank you so much for making my recipe, Shannon! I am so glad you loved it.
Loved this chili! Had such a unique flavor with the cola. I had to cook mine longer than the directions indicated as it was very loose. Maybe it was just my old crock pot. But when it thickened up …wow! Absolutely delicious! Thank you Melissa!
This chili is sooooo good!! Love how easy it was to make.