Cheesy Family-Friendly Crock Pot Chili
This Cheesy Family-Friendly Crock Pot Chili is a beloved recipe that's been passed down through generations and has become a staple in our household. It’s a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gathering with family and friends. This chili is packed with flavor and features a delightful blend of ground beef, beans, and spices, all melded together in a rich tomato base. Best of all, it's completely kid-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about spice levels, but feel free to add your favorite hot sauce or chili peppers if you like it with a kick! With the convenience of the crock pot, you can set it and forget it, making meal prep a breeze. Whether you serve it in bowls or on buns as sloppy Joes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it freezes wonderfully for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.
6
Servings
350
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
onion
1 small (chopped)
white beans in tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
kidney beans
1 (19 ounce) can (drained)
condensed tomato soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (canned)
taco seasoning
1 teaspoon (dry)
cumin
1 teaspoon (dry)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the fat and allow it to cool. For convenience, consider preparing a larger batch of ground beef and freezing it for future recipes.
2
The night before serving, transfer the frozen beef to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. While some choose to cook frozen meat directly in the crock pot, this is not always deemed safe, so defrosting is recommended.
3
In your crock pot, combine the browned ground beef, chopped onion, white beans in tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, condensed tomato soup, taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
4
Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6
Once done, serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top. You can also serve the chili over buns for a delicious sloppy Joe variation.
7
If desired, you can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool, and then freeze it for later. Simply reheat when ready to serve, as this chili freezes exceptionally well.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
30
Carbs
23
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Cheesy Family-Friendly Crock Pot Chili.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 350 calories in each serving.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, browned and drained.
How long should the chili cook on high heat?
It should be cooked on high for 3-4 hours.
How long should the chili cook on low heat?
It should be cooked on low for 6-7 hours.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the recipe can be fully prepared, cooled, and frozen for a quick future meal.
Is this chili very spicy?
No, it is a kid-friendly version, though you can add hot sauce or peppers if you prefer more spice.
What cheese is used for the topping?
A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for the top.
Can I serve this chili in a different way?
Yes, it can also be served on buns for a delicious sloppy Joe variation.
What beans are included in this dish?
The recipe includes one can of white beans in tomato sauce and one can of kidney beans.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
Yes, the kidney beans should be drained before being added to the crock pot.
Do I drain the white beans?
No, the white beans are used specifically in their tomato sauce for the recipe base.
What is the size of the white bean can?
You need a 28-ounce can of white beans in tomato sauce.
What is the size of the kidney bean can?
You need a 19-ounce can of kidney beans.
How much tomato soup is required?
The recipe requires two 10-ounce cans of condensed tomato soup.
What specific spices are used in this chili?
The spices used are taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
How much taco seasoning should be added?
Use 1 teaspoon of dry taco seasoning.
How much cumin is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dry cumin.
What is the measurement for chili powder?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dry chili powder.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The beef should be browned in a skillet and the fat drained before adding to the crock pot.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe requires one small chopped onion.
Is it safe to cook the meat from frozen in the crock pot?
Defrosting the meat in the refrigerator overnight is recommended over cooking it directly from frozen for safety.
How much protein is in a serving of this chili?
There are 23 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of one serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, since most ingredients are combined and cooked together in the crock pot, it is considered a one-pot meal.
Is there a meal prep tip for the beef?
You can brown a larger batch of ground beef in advance and freeze it to make future meal prep even faster.
When is the best time to add the cheddar cheese?
Add the shredded cheddar cheese as a garnish once the chili is done and served hot.
Why is this recipe good for busy families?
The 'set it and forget it' convenience of the crock pot makes it ideal for managing busy weeknight schedules.