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Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili

Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili That's Irresistibly Delicious

Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili is a hearty, gluten-free dish that combines ground beef, beans, and a hint of chocolate for unforgettable flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat and Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with vegetable oil or butter.
  • 1 diced Onion Use yellow or white onions for best results.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred.
For the Tomato Blend
  • 1 28-ounce can Crushed Tomatoes Diced tomatoes can be used for chunkier consistency.
  • 1 15-ounce can Tomato Sauce Can substitute with additional crushed tomatoes.
For the Legumes
  • 1 can Black Beans Any bean variety can be used.
  • 1 can Kidney Beans Feel free to change up the bean selection.
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Can be canned or frozen; omit for lower-carb chili.
For the Broth and Seasoning
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust for heat preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Essential for authentic flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika Smoked paprika can add depth.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to personal taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to personal taste.
For the Sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Can use honey or maple syrup instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Cocoa Powder Skip if aiming for a sweeter profile.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned.
  2. Transfer beef mixture to crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, sweet corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until combined.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if able.
  4. 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Ladle chili into bowls and serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, or jalapeños.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Letting the chili sit briefly after cooking can enhance flavors. Reheat gently as needed.

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