Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This hearty dish combines tender beef with a blend of spices, creating a rich and flavorful experience. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this chili offers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, it’s sure to become a favorite in your winter recipe repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and cheeses creates a deep, satisfying flavor that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with toppings like avocado and Greek yogurt for added creaminess and freshness.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch, freeze leftovers, or enjoy them throughout the week for quick meals.
- Comforting and Filling: This chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice on cold days.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, making this recipe easy to prepare without constant supervision.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife ensures clean cuts, making prep time faster and safer.
Ingredients
To make the delicious Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, gather these ingredients:
For the Meat Base
- 2 pounds ground beef (or use ground chicken or ground turkey)
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
For the Spice Mixture
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounce) crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounce) tomato paste
- 1 can (4 ounce) diced green chilies
For Added Flavor
- 1/3 cup hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
For Broth Base
- 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth
For Creaminess
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Beans
- 1 can mixed chili beans, drained
For Garnishing
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Avocado and Greek yogurt, for serving
Add a side of beef broth bread and toppings for the perfect bowl of winter chili on these coldest days of the year!
How to Make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by chopping the onions and poblano peppers. Measure out all spices to have them ready when you need them.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add ground beef (or chicken/turkey) until browned.
2. Drain any excess fat before transferring to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker:
1. Add chopped onions and poblanos.
2. Stir in all spices: chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced green chilies, hot sauce, butter, bay leaves, salt, and broth.
4. Mix well until combined.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker on low:
– Cook for about 120 minutes or until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Once cooked:
1. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
2. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Serve
Remove bay leaves before serving:
– Dish out into bowls and top with cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, and Greek yogurt as desired.
Enjoy this comforting Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili on those chilly winter nights!
How to Serve Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Serving your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a delightful experience, especially during the colder months. This hearty dish can be customized with various toppings and sides that elevate its flavors.
Toppings
- Avocado – Creamy slices of avocado add richness and balance to the spiciness.
- Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast and enhances creaminess.
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens each bite.
- Chopped Green Onions – These add a mild onion flavor and welcome crunch.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili’s rich sauce.
- Tortilla Chips – Crispy chips add texture and are great for scooping.
- Rice or Quinoa – Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that fills you up.
How to Perfect Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
To ensure your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the overall flavor of the chili.
- Adjust the spice level – Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Let it simmer longer – For deeper flavors, allow the chili to cook longer than the recommended time.
- Mix cheeses for richness – Combine different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack, with cheddar for added creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – Savory garlic bread topped with melted cheese complements the chili perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the chili.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Stuffed with quinoa and vegetables, they are nutritious and filling.
- Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be served alongside or used as a base for the chili.
- Fried Plantains – Sweet fried plantains offer a delicious contrast to spicy flavors.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to each bite of chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
Not browning the meat – Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always brown the ground beef or chicken before adding it to the crockpot.
Ignoring seasoning – Under-seasoning can result in bland chili. Make sure to measure your spices accurately and taste as you go.
Using low-quality ingredients – Cheap ingredients can compromise the dish’s flavor. Opt for high-quality tomatoes, cheese, and broth for the best results.
Overcrowding the crockpot – Filling the crockpot too full can affect cooking time and texture. Follow the recipe’s guidelines for ingredient amounts.
Skipping the toppings – Toppings add flavor and texture. Don’t forget fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado, or Greek yogurt for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers with lids.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili:
Can I use other meats in this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
How spicy is the Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?
The spiciness comes from cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Adjust these ingredients based on your heat preference.
What toppings go well with Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?
Popular choices include chopped cilantro, green onions, diced avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?
This chili typically requires about 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low in your crockpot.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a delightful dish that warms you up on cold days. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings and spice levels!
Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, combining tender ground beef with a blend of spices and creamy cheese. This hearty dish offers a satisfying richness that makes it perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy aromatic flavors without the fuss. Top it with your favorite garnishes like avocado, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs for an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy this robust chili as a warming meal that will surely become a staple in your winter recipe collection.
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 28 ounces crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 can mixed chili beans, drained
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Avocado and Greek yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Chop onions and poblano peppers; measure spices.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine browned meat, chopped onions and poblanos, spices, crushed tomatoes, hot sauce, butter, bay leaves, salt, and broth; mix well.
- Cook on low for about 120 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and combined.
- Serve topped with cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, and Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper or hot sauce based on preference. For added richness, consider mixing different types of cheese. Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months.
