Easy Crock pot Cowboy Chili Recipe - The Best Crockpot Chili!

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey offers lower fat content while ground pork can be less expensive.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can enhance flavor, while crushed tomatoes are often cheaper.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides similar creaminess with fewer calories.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories, while Monterey Jack is often less expensive.

Start with a slow cooker, at least 6 quarts in size.

Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain off any grease or fat before adding it to the slow cooker.

Add chopped onion to the slow cooker.

Add minced garlic to the slow cooker.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker.

Add stewed tomatoes to the slow cooker.

Add kidney beans to the slow cooker.

Add chili powder to the slow cooker, noting it may seem like a lot but is necessary for flavor.

Add cumin to the slow cooker (optional).

Chop and add a bell pepper to the slow cooker, suggesting red, green, yellow, or orange varieties.

Stir all ingredients in the slow cooker to combine.

Add beef broth to the slow cooker and stir again.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Mention that this can also be made on the stovetop by browning the meat and vegetables, then simmering for about 20 minutes.

Suggest topping the chili with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and diced red onions, and serving with cornbread or Saltines.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary