Description

This hearty crockpot chili is packed with ground beef, sausage, beans, and bold spices. An easy, comforting slow cooker meal perfect for game day, cold nights, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 pound Italian sausage (or use more ground beef)

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1–2 garlic cloves, minced

30 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained (2 cans)

15 oz pinto beans, rinsed and drained (1 can)

29 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)

3 oz tomato paste

8 oz tomato sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon hot sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar (or granulated sugar)

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until mostly browned (a little pink is okay).

Add Aromatics: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.

Transfer to Crockpot: Move the meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add Beans: Stir in kidney and pinto beans.

Add Tomatoes & Liquids: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, broth, and hot sauce.

Season: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything to combine.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions, or corn chips if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead & Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat Tips: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Customize: Use all ground beef for a milder flavor or add more heat with extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (on high)
Category: Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American