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Bowl of Award-Winning Crockpot Chili topped with sour cream and cilantro, served on a wooden table

Award-Winning Crockpot Chili

This Award-Winning Crockpot Chili is everything you want in a hearty, comforting meal: rich, bold flavors, a hint of smoky spice, and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 5 slices beef bacon chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery about 2 stalks
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 small onion
  • 1 small jalapeño optional, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 48 ounces chili beans in sauce 3×16-ounce cans
  • 56 ounces petite diced tomatoes in liquid 2×28-ounce cans
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1 pound turkey sausage mild or hot
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes
  • Toppings of choice see Notes below

Method
 

  1. Cook the beef bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped beef bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and leave the grease in the skillet for added flavor.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers, celery, onion, jalapeño, and garlic over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add the spices: Stir in the seasonings and tomato paste. Cook for 1–3 minutes until fragrant, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
  4. Assemble the chili base: Add the chili beans (liquid included), diced tomatoes (with liquid), sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bouillon cubes to the slow cooker.
  5. Brown the meat: Use the skillet on high heat to brown the ground beef and turkey sausage in batches to ensure even searing. Drain excess fat, then add the meat to the slow cooker along with the bacon.
  6. Cook low and slow: Stir everything in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours. The flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day.
  7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and cilantro.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning: Searing the meat properly adds flavor you can’t get from slow cooking alone.