Devastating Crockpot Bacon Chili Recipe in Under 8 Hours

Oh, chili! Is there anything better on a chilly evening? And bacon… well, bacon makes everything better, right? So, I figured, why not COMBINE them? And, because I’m all about easy dinners, let’s toss it all in the crockpot! This Crockpot Bacon Chili is seriously amazing. The smoky bacon just takes it to a whole other level. Trust me, you NEED this in your life.

I’ve made a *lot* of chili recipes over the years, but this one? This one’s a keeper. It’s just so simple, and that bacon flavor is EVERYTHING. Plus, the crockpot does all the work! Get ready for some serious chili deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Bacon Chili

Reasons to try this chili recipe

• Easy cleanup? YES, please! One pot, and you’re done!
• Hearty meal that’ll stick to your ribs? Absolutely! This chili is packed with flavor and protein.
• Crowd-pleaser? You bet! Everyone loves bacon, right? And if they don’t… well, more for you! 😉
• Customizable spice level? Totally! Add more cayenne if you’re brave, or leave it out for a milder kick.
• Set it and forget it cooking? My favorite! Toss it all in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Come home to a delicious dinner!

Ingredients for Your Crockpot Bacon Chili

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this rockin’ Crockpot Bacon Chili. Don’t skimp on the bacon, trust me! You’ll need: 1 pound of bacon, chopped (duh!), 1 large onion, diced, 2 cloves of garlic, minced (I usually throw in a little extra, because garlic!), and 2 pounds of ground beef.

You’ll also need: 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can each of kidney beans and black beans (drained and rinsed, please!), 1 (15 ounce) can of corn (drained!), a little kick from a 4 (ounce) can of diced green chilies, 1 cup of beef broth, and then all the spices that make chili, well, CHILI! That’s 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy!). And, of course, salt and pepper to taste. Got it all? Let’s get cookin’!

How to Make Crockpot Bacon Chili: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bacon and Beef

Okay, first things first: BACON! Cook that pound of chopped bacon in a big skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Mmm, bacon. Once it’s done, take the bacon out and set it aside on some paper towels to drain. BUT! Don’t you dare throw away all that glorious bacon grease! We’re gonna leave about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. That’s liquid gold right there.

Now, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic into that bacon-y skillet and cook ’em until they’re soft, about 5 minutes or so. Next, add your ground beef and cook it until it’s browned. Make sure you break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants greasy chili, yuck!

Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot

Alright, time to get everything into the crockpot! This is the easy part. Just dump in your cooked bacon, the onion and garlic mixture, and the browned ground beef. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Don’t forget the beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it!).

Give everything a good stir so all those yummy flavors get mixed together. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Get it seasoned just right. Make sure everything’s distributed evenly in the crockpot, so every bite is perfect!

Slow Cooking Your Crockpot Bacon Chili to Perfection

Now for the magic! Cover that crockpot and let it do its thing. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low because, honestly, the longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. But hey, if you’re in a hurry, high works too!

How do you know when it’s done? Well, the chili should be bubbly and fragrant. Give it a taste! If the flavors are all happy and blended, you’re good to go! If not, let it cook a little longer. You can’t really overcook it in the crockpot, so don’t worry too much!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Crockpot Bacon Chili

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Wanna switch things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few ideas to make this Crockpot Bacon Chili your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Bacon Variations

Bacon, bacon, bacon! While regular bacon is my go-to, you can totally use other types. Turkey bacon works if you’re trying to be a *little* healthier (but let’s be real, it’s still chili!). Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try pancetta! It’ll give your chili a richer, saltier flavor. Yum!

Bean Substitutions

Not a fan of kidney beans or black beans? No sweat! Pinto beans are a classic chili choice, or you could try great northern beans for a milder flavor. Honestly, any bean you like will work! Just make sure they’re cooked before you toss ’em in the crockpot.

Spice Level Adjustments

Spice it up, or tone it down! If you like your chili mild, skip the cayenne pepper altogether. If you’re a chili head like me, add an extra pinch (or two!). You could even toss in a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for some serious heat. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Bacon Chili

Want to take your Crockpot Bacon Chili from good to GREAT? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks! These are game-changers, trust me!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Is your chili too thin? No problem! Just mash up some of the beans with a fork before serving. That’ll thicken it right up! If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!

Enhancing the Flavor

Want to add a little extra somethin’ somethin’? Try a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving! It brightens up the flavors and adds a nice tang. Or, toss in a bay leaf while it’s cooking. Just remember to take it out before you eat it! It adds a subtle depth that’s just amazing.

Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Bacon Chili

Okay, let’s talk toppings! Shredded cheese is a must, of course. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice creaminess. And don’t forget the green onions! They add a little freshness. For sides, cornbread is a classic, or you could try a simple salad. Honestly, this chili is so good, it can stand alone!

Variations on This Crockpot Bacon Chili Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, right? Now, let’s get a little crazy! Here are some fun ways to mix things up and make this Crockpot Bacon Chili totally your own. Get creative!

Adding Sweetness

Want a little sweetness in your chili? I get it! Try adding a tablespoon or two of brown sugar or even maple syrup. It balances out the spice and adds a yummy depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s delicious!

Vegetarian Crockpot Bacon Chili Option

Okay, so maybe you’re not a meat-eater. No problem! You can totally make this chili vegetarian. Just swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground beef (there are some really good ones out there now!) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Easy peasy!

Spicy Crockpot Bacon Chili Upgrade

Alright, chili heads, this one’s for you! Wanna kick up the heat? Toss in some different peppers! Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky heat, or you could try serrano peppers for a brighter kick. Habaneros? If you dare! Just remember to handle them carefully (wear gloves!) and start with a small amount. This is where you can really get creative!

Storing and Reheating Your Crockpot Bacon Chili

Made a big batch of this awesome Crockpot Bacon Chili? Awesome! Leftovers are the best! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as amazing the next day (or even the next week!).

Proper Storage Techniques

Okay, so first things first: let the chili cool down a bit before you store it. Then, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Wanna keep it longer? Freeze it! Just put it in a freezer-safe container (leave a little room at the top, since it’ll expand when it freezes) and it’ll be good for up to 3 months! Boom!

Reheating Instructions

Ready to dig in again? Yay! You can reheat your Crockpot Bacon Chili on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stovetop is my fave – just put it in a pot over medium heat and stir it occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Bacon Chili

Got questions about making this awesome Crockpot Bacon Chili? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this helps you make the *best* chili ever!

Can I make this Crockpot Chili With Bacon ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I almost *recommend* it! Making this Crockpot Chili With Bacon a day ahead actually gives the flavors even more time to meld together, making it even MORE delicious. Just store it properly in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Easy peasy!

How do I thicken my Crockpot Bacon Chili?

Thin chili got you down? No worries! There are a couple of easy fixes. You can mash some of the beans with a fork to release their starch and thicken the chili naturally. Or, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the chili during the last hour of cooking. Works like a charm!

What are the best toppings for The Best Chili Recipe Crock Pots?

Ooh, toppings! This is where you can really get creative! Some of my faves include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. Seriously, anything goes! Just pile on your favorites and enjoy *The Best Chili Recipe Crock Pots* has to offer!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Bacon Chili

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! So, the nutritional information below is just an estimate. It can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. Just keep that in mind, okay? It’s a guideline, not gospel!

Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Bacon Chili!

Alright, friends! That’s it! Time to dig in and enjoy your amazing Crockpot Bacon Chili! Don’t forget to rate and comment below – I wanna know what you think!

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