Crock Pot Taco Chili Recipe – Page 2

How to Make Crock Pot Taco Chili

1. Brown the Ground Meat:

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker.

2. Combine the Chili Ingredients:

Add the following to the slow cooker with the browned meat:
- Kidney beans, pinto beans, and diced tomatoes (both the regular and chili-seasoned varieties).
- Taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth to help everything cook down into a thick, flavorful chili.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed.

3. Cook on Low:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, but it’s delicious no matter how long you let it go!
Stir occasionally if you’re around, but the slow cooker does most of the work for you. You’ll know the chili is ready when it’s thick, bubbling, and the flavors are well-blended.

4. Serve:

Once the chili is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary (a dash of extra chili powder or salt might be just what it needs).
Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a handful of tortilla chips for crunch.
For a heartier meal, pair it with cornbread, rice, or serve it in a taco bowl.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Taco Chili

Make It Vegetarian: You can easily make this chili vegetarian by swapping out the ground meat for extra beans, vegetarian crumbles, or even roasted vegetables.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier chili, add some jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder chili, use mild taco seasoning or omit the chili powder.
Use Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you want to control the flavors and avoid preservatives, try making your own taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for a custom blend.
Add More Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and nutrients. The slow cooker is forgiving, so feel free to experiment!
Thickening the Chili: If you find that the chili is too thin, you can easily thicken it by adding a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or by simmering it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Top with Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, add some crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving, or serve the chili with a side of chips for dipping.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Taco Chili

Minimal Effort: Just toss everything in the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Flavors that Build: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a rich, savory chili that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Comfort Food: Taco chili combines the best parts of tacos and chili—comforting, hearty, and just the right amount of spice to warm you up.
Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re serving your family or a large group of friends, this chili is perfect for feeding a crowd. You can even make it ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Taco Chili is the ultimate comfort food, offering the bold flavors of taco night with the cozy, filling nature of chili. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for meal prepping—what more could you ask for? Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal, or something to feed a crowd, this taco chili fits the bill perfectly.

So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let it do the hard work for you. With minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful chili that everyone will love. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and get ready for a meal that warms you from the inside out!

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