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Cozy Football Season Crockpot Chili Recipe with Easy Toppings Bar Ideas

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A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili perfect for football season, featuring a toppings bar for customizable bowls. Slow-cooked with a blend of spices and a touch of cocoa powder for depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano style preferred)
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 small minced jalapeño

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the cooked meat, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper. Add minced jalapeño if using.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Add a splash of beef broth or water if chili is too thick.
  8. Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers, diced avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro leaves, crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbles, and lime wedges.
  9. Serve chili hot in bowls and let everyone customize their own with toppings.

Notes

Brown the meat and sauté onions before slow cooking to build flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen flavor without chocolate taste. Add beans later in cooking if you prefer them firmer. Adjust seasoning at the end. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain cooking temperature. Set up a toppings bar for a fun, customizable meal experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, football chili, game day recipe, chili toppings bar, easy chili recipe, hearty chili

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/cozy-football-season-crockpot-chili-recipe-with-easy-toppings-bar-ideas/