This Easy Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a warm and hearty dish packed with beef, beans, and lots of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days!
The best part? You just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do all the work. I love how it smells while cooking! Plus, it’s great for game day gatherings or cozy nights in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your chili. I usually stick with 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or ground chicken can work well too.
Beans: Black and kidney beans add texture and heartiness. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer. Canned beans are a huge time-saver, just remember to rinse them!
Processed Cheese (Velveeta): This gives the chili that creamy, melty cheese pull. If you want a more natural cheese option, use cream cheese or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar instead.
Jalapeños: These add a nice spicy kick. If you’re not a fan of heat, try using bell peppers instead, or remove the seeds from the jalapeños to tone down the spice.
What’s the Best Way to Keep the Chili Creamy and Cheesy?
To ensure your chili stays creamy, it’s crucial to add the cheese at the right time. After cooking it for most of the day, wait about 30 minutes before serving to add in the processed cheese and shredded cheddar. This way, it melts beautifully without separating.
- Stir the cheese in low and slow to help it melt evenly. You can even set the crockpot to warm if you’re close to serving time.
- If the chili turns out a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add more beef broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Easy Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) package processed cheese (Velveeta), cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crockpot chili is super easy and requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, you simply let it cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high). By the end, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy meal just waiting to be served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Stir this mixture until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your chili lighter!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Once your beef is ready, transfer it to the crockpot. This is where all the flavor will come together! Add in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, kidney beans, beef broth, and chopped jalapeños. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a little salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Let it Cook:
Now it’s time to cover your crockpot and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s almost time to eat!
4. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the cubed processed cheese (Velveeta) and shredded cheddar cheese. This will make your chili super creamy and cheesy! If you find it’s a little thick, just add a bit more beef broth until it’s just right.
5. Final Touches:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, taste your chili and adjust any seasonings to your liking. You want to balance those flavors just right!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your spicy queso beef chili hot, topped with your choice of optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will still be delicious, and you can keep all the other ingredients the same!
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Yes! If you like heat, you can add more jalapeños or even toss in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking too. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the freezer.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use more beans and legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas, to give it a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth as well!
