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Smoky Chipotle Crockpot Beef Chili: Easy & Bold Recipe

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This Smoky Chipotle Crockpot Beef Chili is a bold, warming, and deeply satisfying recipe that uses chipotle peppers in adobo for a rich, smoky flavor. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, it’s perfect for game days, busy Sundays, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Bloom spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet with onions. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  4. Add chipotle peppers: Mince chipotle peppers finely. Add 2-3 peppers and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce to slow cooker.
  5. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until tomato paste is fully incorporated.
  6. Add beans, bay leaves, and seasoning: Stir in kidney beans, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Mix well.
  7. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning. If chili is too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes.
  8. Rest and serve: Let chili sit on warm for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.

Notes

Chipotle heat can vary; start with 2 peppers and add more at the end if desired. For thicker chili, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker. Chili tastes even better the next day. For a stovetop version, simmer in a Dutch oven over low heat for about 2 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chili, crockpot chili, beef chili, smoky chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/smoky-chipotle-crockpot-beef-chili-easy-and-bold-recipe/