Award Winning Crockpot Chili
This crockpot chili layers smoky bacon, ground beef, beans and a blend of spices for a thick, comforting bowl that’s perfect for a crowd. The low‑and‑slow cooking makes it easy to prepare in the morning and have a hearty dinner ready by evening.
Instructions
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Cook the bacon in a large cast‑iron skillet until lightly crisp. Remove, drain on paper towels, and set aside.
Saute the chopped red and green bell peppers, celery, jalapeño and onion in the bacon grease for about five minutes, until tender. Drain excess grease.
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef in batches, adding about one pound at a time so it browns rather than steams. Break into 1‑2‑inch pieces and cook through. Remove and set aside.
Combine all listed spices in a small bowl and stir to blend.
In the crock‑pot, whisk together the beef consomme (or stock) and tomato paste. Add Worcestershire sauce and the spice mixture, stirring well.
Add the undrained canned tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and chopped bacon (about ½‑inch pieces) to the crock‑pot. Mix to combine.
Cover and cook on low for approximately six hours.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, then serve with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, diced onions, extra jalapeños, Fritos, or cornbread.
Tips
For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add more cayenne pepper. Browning the beef in batches gives better flavor and texture.
Video
“Crockpot Chili Recipe - Award Winning Chili Recipe | Potluck Recipes | Cooking Up Love” by Cooking Up Love, watch on YouTube.
About this recipe
The chili combines hearty ground beef, smoky bacon, and a mix of beans with bell peppers, celery, and onion, all seasoned with a flavorful spice blend that includes chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The result is a thick, robust stew that’s both satisfying and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Serve the chili straight from the slow cooker with a fixing bar of sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced onions, extra jalapeños, and crunchy Fritos or cornbread on the side for a complete, crowd‑pleasing meal.
