YaYa’s Crock Pot Chili
This Crock Pot Chili is a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or busy weeknights. With your choice of ground venison, beef, or turkey, plus a blend of beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, this recipe delivers just the right balance of heat and richness. A touch of cocoa deepens the flavor, and a splash of beer can be added for extra depth. Let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll have a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison beef, or turkey
- 2 onions diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño finely chopped
- 1 14-ounce can Mexican-style tomatoes (like Rotel)
- 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked if available
- 1 14-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- Beer optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet until no longer pink.
- Add onions and green pepper, cooking until onions are soft and translucent.
- Transfer meat and vegetables to your slow cooker.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, beans, broth, cocoa, and beer if using.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
Slow cooker chili develops deeper flavor the longer it cooks, so if you have time, always choose the low setting. The cocoa powder may seem unusual, but it adds a subtle richness without making the dish sweet.
- For a thicker chili, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Always taste before serving and adjust salt or spice to your liking.
- A splash of beer adds depth, but it’s delicious without it too.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your family’s tastes.
- Try swapping black beans for pinto beans, or add corn for a touch of sweetness.
- For a spicier version, increase the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- If you want a lighter dish, ground turkey works beautifully.
If you enjoy comforting slow cooker meals, you may also like my Taco Soup or Hashbrown Casserole for easy family dinners.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
