Crock Pot Chili Recipe For Two

When you want a simple, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cold winter day, this Crock Pot Chili recipe is exactly what you need. It’s designed with small portions in mind, making it ideal for couples, roommates, or even a solo dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day.

With a combination of ground beef, chili beans, and classic spices, this chili delivers all the flavor of a big-batch recipe without overwhelming your fridge with leftovers. However, one of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare.

Using a slow cooker means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a meal that’s ready to go. Whether you’re working or out running errands, there’s something comforting about knowing dinner is quietly cooking away without any extra effort. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing.

It’s a great base recipe, so you can tweak it to your liking. Prefer a little more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Want to sneak in more vegetables? Toss in diced bell peppers or a handful of corn. It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your taste preferences while still delivering a satisfying comfort food meal, especially in the middle of winter.

What You Will Need To Make Crock Pot Chili For Two

• Ground Beef: Half a pound is just the right amount for two servings. It’s hearty and flavorful, but if you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too. Or you can even use ground sausage if you prefer.
• Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients add a depth of flavor that’s essential in chili. The onion cooks alongside the beef, while the garlic gets added just as the beef finishes browning.
• Tomato Sauce: This provides the base for the chili, giving it a smooth, rich texture. An 8-ounce can is perfect for keeping the recipe small and manageable.
• Chili Beans: Using canned beans with their juices adds flavor and thickness to the chili without any extra work. Not a fan of beans in your chili? Then simply leave them out.
• Spices: Chili powder and cumin are the backbone of this recipe, creating a warm, smoky flavor. Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of umami, while salt and pepper bring it all together.
• Liquid: Water or beef broth helps thin out the chili just enough to simmer properly in the crock pot. If you like thick chili, then I would suggest decreasing the amount of liquid.

Why Use a Crock Pot?

Although you could make chili on the stovetop, using a crock pot for has its advantages. The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop gradually, resulting in a more robust taste. It also makes the beef tender and allows the spices to infuse throughout the dish.

Plus, it’s incredibly convenient. You can set it up in the morning, go about your day, and then have a hot meal waiting for you in the evening. There’s no need to stir or babysit the pot, making it a great option for busy days or lazy weekends.

Crock Pot Chili Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 15.5 ounces canned chili beans, undrained
• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup water or beef broth

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the Meat & Vegetables: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks break it into crumbles to ensure even browning. Halfway through, add the diced onion and let it cook until the beef is almost fully browned. Finally, stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.

2. Transfer to the Crock Pot: After the beef mixture is cooked, transfer it to a colander, then drain any excess grease and transfer it to your crock pot.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, chili beans, and seasonings. Add water or beef broth, then stir everything together until well combined.

4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and delicious chili.

Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Chili is a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up or serve it alongside other dishes.

• Classic Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños make for great additions.
• Serve with Bread: Cornbread, crackers, or even a crusty baguette are great for dipping and scooping.
• Make It a Bowl: Serve the chili over rice or a baked potato for a heartier meal.
• Hot Dog Topping: You can never go wrong with a little chili on top of a hot dog.

Storing Leftovers

One of the perks of making a small batch is that you don’t have to deal with a ton of leftovers. But if you do have some chili left, or want to make it as a make ahead meal you can store it for later use.

• Refrigerate: Transfer the chili to an airtight container and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheating chili is simple, but there are a few tips to ensure it tastes just as good as the day you made it:

• On the Stove: Heat the chili in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• In the Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, then cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Add Liquid if Needed: If the chili has thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

This Crock Pot Chili recipe for two proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep work, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a friend, this recipe is a go-to comfort food recipe.

Give it a try, although don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite toppings and add-ins. Once you’ve tasted how easy and delicious it is, this Crock Pot Chili might just become a regular in your meal rotation, as it has in my home.

Enjoy! Mary

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