There’s nothing better than a good crock pot chili recipe.
You get the ingredients prepped, throw it all in the slow cooker and by the time everyone is home from their day you have a wonderful batch of spicy chili on the table in a matter of minutes!
I’m not going to lie. This Spicy Crock Pot Chili IS AMAZING!
Chili comes in all shapes and forms – but when it comes to a recipe that I know the whole family is going to love – this is the on I use.
The spice base is pretty traditional – onions and garlic, chili powders – I love to add ancho chili powder with regular chili powder. With a bit of Coriander, cumin and cayenne pepper because we like it hot!
This is a dish I’ll make for potlucks that will be gone before I have a chance to eat any every time, and it’s tough in situations like that to have the time to watch over a batch of chili, so using a Crock Pot comes in handy.
Don’t have a crock pot? Dutch oven cooked at 325 works just as well too! (see my youtube video… )
I tend to prep the chili morning of, but there is no reason this meal can’t be prepped the night before. Placing all the ingredients in the crock pot dish. You can store it in the fridge over night, then begin slow cooking in the morning.
Just a warning. You’re dealing with jalapenos and the capsaicin (it’s what makes peppers hot. I googled this, I’m no doctor) will stay in your fingers for awhile. So if you were to say, oh i don’t know, put your contacts in after handling the jalapenos? You’re going to have a bad time.
I’ve never done that. Not once. Not never…
If you want to tame this spicy chili recipe down a bit, just cut the jalapeno and cayenne pepper servings in half. If you want it spicier you can try my Habanero Turkey Chili recipe as well.
This recipe as is yield about 16 servings which will last us the week in the fridge. I use a 6 qt Crock Pot for this. If you have a 4 qt, I would suggest adjusting the serving size between 8-10.
When cooking the ground beef, be sure to drain as much of the fat as possible. This will keep the chili’s greasiness to a minimum. Using 15% or less for the ground beef (you can use turkey or chicken as well, it’ll taste just as awesome!) will leave you more meat when done.
If you want to use a heartier meat, like beef chuck, check out my latest Chipotle Chuck Wagon Chili
I’ve seen masa used, potato flakes, and even a corn starch slurry. They’re all well and good, but I’m a fan of using beans that have been pureed.
I think for this recipe in itself it makes the most sense. Maybe a chili con carne recipe or something along those lines may work better with masa or potato flakes.
But for my batch of chili I’m sticking with about 8 oz. or so of pureed beans.
Normally I’ll add cheese and maybe a little raw onion for flavor, and extra slice of jalapeno if I need more spice. At the very minimum cheese. Cheese goes good in everything.
Also save some spicy chili for leftovers, becuase they’re going to make a great topping for carne asada fries!
Frito Chili Pie: Corn Chips layered on the bottom of the bowl, top with chili then smother with cheese. It’s delicious!