Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili: A Flavorful and Effortless Recipe

Chili is a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in, potlucks, or game day gatherings. But who has hours to spend stirring a pot on the stovetop? Enter the slow cooker, your culinary superhero! This slow cooker chipotle chili recipe is packed with smoky, spicy flavor, requires minimal effort, and yields a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This recipe elevates the traditional chili with the addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These peppers bring a smoky heat that is both complex and delicious. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for days.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless:** Just dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do its magic.
* **Flavorful:** The chipotle peppers add a smoky, spicy depth that’s irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your liking (more on that later).
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** A guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for this slow cooker chipotle chili. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most are pantry staples!

* **Ground Meat:** 2 pounds of ground beef is the classic choice, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. Lean ground beef (90/10) will result in less grease to drain.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of flavor and sweetness.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color). Bell peppers add sweetness and texture. Red, orange, or yellow peppers will be sweeter than green.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for adding depth of flavor.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 2 (28-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, undrained. Using undrained tomatoes helps to keep the chili moist.
* **Canned Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce. Tomato sauce provides a smooth, rich base for the chili.
* **Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce:** 2-4 chipotle peppers, minced, plus 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce. The number of peppers depends on your spice preference. Start with 2 and add more to taste. The adobo sauce adds a smoky, tangy flavor.
* **Canned Beans:** 2 (15-ounce) cans of beans, drained and rinsed. A mix of beans is great! Try kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. Chili powder is a blend of spices that forms the base of chili flavor.
* **Cumin:** 2 tablespoons. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Oregano adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously! The flavors will mellow out as the chili cooks.
* **Beef Broth (optional):** 1 cup. Use if you prefer a thinner chili.
* **Olive Oil (or other cooking oil):** 1 tablespoon. For browning the ground meat.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For browning the ground meat.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Can Opener:** For opening the canned goods.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious slow cooker chipotle chili:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat**

This step is crucial for developing flavor. While you *can* skip it and add the raw ground meat directly to the slow cooker, browning it first creates a richer, deeper taste.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain any excess grease. This is important to prevent the chili from becoming greasy.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional, but Recommended)**

Sautéing the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the slow cooker helps to soften them and bring out their sweetness. This step is optional, but it does enhance the flavor of the chili.

1. After draining the grease from the ground meat, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

1. Transfer the browned ground meat and sautéed vegetables (if using) to the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beans (drained and rinsed), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. If you prefer a thinner chili, add the beef broth. Start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed.

**Step 4: Cook the Chili**

1. Stir all the ingredients together well.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.

**Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**

1. Once the chili is cooked, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or chipotle peppers to taste.
2. If the chili is too thick, add more beef broth to thin it out.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the slow cooker chipotle chili hot, with your favorite toppings. See below for topping suggestions!

## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili

* **Don’t Skip the Browning:** Browning the ground meat is a crucial step for developing flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of chipotle peppers you use will determine the spice level of the chili. Start with 2 peppers and add more to taste. Remember that you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the chili will taste. Choose good-quality ground meat, canned tomatoes, and spices.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the chili can make the beans mushy. Check the chili after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Stir Occasionally (If Possible):** While not essential, stirring the chili occasionally during cooking will help to distribute the flavors evenly.
* **Let the Chili Sit:** If you have time, let the chili sit in the slow cooker for 30 minutes to an hour after it’s cooked. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
* **Refrigerate Overnight (Even Better):** Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Variations and Substitutions

This slow cooker chipotle chili recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Meat:** Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground beef. You can also add shredded chicken or pulled pork after the chili is cooked.
* **Beans:** Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. You can also add corn for sweetness.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or zucchini.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
* **Cocoa Powder:** Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Coffee:** Add a 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for depth of flavor.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans and vegetables to make it hearty.
* **Sweet Potato:** Add 1-2 diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and added nutrients.
* **Beer:** Substitute some of the beef broth with a dark beer, such as stout or porter, for a richer, maltier flavor. Add the beer in the last hour of cooking.

## Topping Suggestions

The right toppings can take your chili to the next level! Here are some of our favorite topping ideas:

* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are all great choices.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a creamy tang.
* **Chopped Green Onions or Scallions:** Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
* **Diced Red Onion:** Adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
* **Avocado:** Adds a creamy, healthy fat.
* **Cilantro:** Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Lime Wedges:** Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Tortilla Chips or Cornbread:** For dipping and scooping.
* **Jalapeños:** Fresh or pickled, for extra heat.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like it really spicy.
* **Crushed Tortilla Chips:** Adds texture and a salty crunch.
* **Pickled Onions:** Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Cotija Cheese:** A salty, crumbly Mexican cheese.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chipotle chili is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Chili Bar:** Set up a chili bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl.
* **Cornbread:** Serve with warm cornbread for a classic pairing.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:** Dip grilled cheese sandwiches into the chili for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with chili and your favorite toppings.
* **Chili Dogs:** Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs.
* **Chili Cheese Fries:** Top french fries with chili and cheese.
* **Tacos or Burritos:** Use the chili as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Nachos:** Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with chili and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** This chili can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often improve overnight.
* **Storage:** Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Chili freezes well. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
* **Slow Cooker:** You can also reheat the chili in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Fiber:** 10-15 grams

## Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds ground beef (or other ground meat)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce
* 2 (15-ounce) cans beans, drained and rinsed (kidney, black, pinto, etc.)
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 2 tablespoons cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup beef broth (optional, for thinner chili)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. (Optional) Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Transfer browned meat and vegetables to a slow cooker.
4. Add diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir to combine.
6. If desired, add beef broth for a thinner chili.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy this flavorful and effortless Slow Cooker Chipotle Chili!