Crockpot Beef Chili
A hearty slow cooker beef chili made rich and tender with a surprising splash of soda.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker / crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef lean
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 jalapeno finely diced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 14 oz tomato sauce no seasonings added
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes canned
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 12 oz Dr. Pepper or Coke not diet
- 2 cans chili beans seasoned chili beans recommended
- shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, jalapeno, tortilla strips topping ideas
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion, jalapeno, and ground beef. Break up the ground beef with a spatula into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain off any grease, if needed.
- Add the ground beef mixture to a crockpot. Add in garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, chili beans, and a can of Dr. Pepper or Coke. Place a lid over the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Stir and taste for seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion, cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, and any other favorite toppings.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can substitute for ground beef. Use regular soda, not diet, since it caramelizes differently during slow cooking. Thin with beef broth, water, or extra soda if the chili is too thick.
