If you love bold flavors and comforting meals that warm you from the inside out, this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender ground beef, creamy queso, and a spicy kick, this chili is the perfect crowd-pleaser for cozy nights and casual gatherings alike. Thanks to the magic of the crockpot, all the rich flavors have plenty of time to meld together, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the incredible depth, texture, and color of the chili. From the robust spices to the creamy cheese, every element is essential to this recipe’s charm.
- 2 pounds ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor to every bite.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a lovely soft texture after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a sharp, aromatic punch that elevates the chili.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides creaminess and plant-based protein.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds color contrast and a hearty bite.
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice: The juicy base that keeps everything moist and tangy.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: A little extra heat and flavor complexity.
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed cheese soup: Brings creamy queso goodness straight into the chili.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred in at the end for gooey, melty richness.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides that classic chili spiciness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Earthy and warm, it adds a smoky undertone.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances the chili’s color and subtle smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and highlights all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and spice complexity.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Packs the punch for those who like it hot.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables to perfection.
- Optional toppings (sour cream, diced green onions, jalapeños): Adds freshness and extra flair to every serving.
How to Make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. This step ensures your chili has rich, caramelized flavor. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook them until the onions are translucent and soft. This will build a flavorful base and add a little sweetness that perfectly balances the chili’s spice.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the browned beef and sautéed veggies into your crockpot. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (both the regular and the ones with green chilies), and condensed cheese soup. This is where your chili really starts coming together with its creamy, spicy, and hearty layers.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat all ingredients with those incredible flavors that make chili so comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili
Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the beef to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Stir in Cheddar Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot. Stir until it’s melted and completely incorporated. This step transforms the chili into a luscious, cheesy delight that lives up to its “queso” name.
Step 7: Final Taste and Season
Give your chili a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more cayenne pepper if you’re ready for an extra spicy kick. This is your chance to make the chili exactly how you like it!
Step 8: Prepare Toppings
While the chili is finishing up, get your optional toppings ready. Sour cream cools down the heat, diced green onions add freshness, and jalapeños are perfect if you love even more spice.
How to Serve Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl of chili with a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice, a sprinkle of diced green onions for added crunch and color, and sliced jalapeños if you’re a heat lover. These garnishes add fresh flavor and inviting texture.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping, warm cornbread that soaks up every drop, or a simple side salad to lighten the meal. Each side dish complements the richness of the chili perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic touch, or layer it over baked potatoes for a satisfying twist. You can even turn leftovers into loaded chili nachos, piling all your favorite toppings on for a fun and casual feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftover chili taste even better.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your chili overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor and texture.
How spicy is this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe?
The chili has a noticeable kick thanks to the cayenne pepper and green chilies, but you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the cayenne to suit your taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and moisture, fresh tomatoes can work too. Just make sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes and add a bit of tomato paste to maintain the chili’s rich texture.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the beef first develops flavor and helps render excess fat, resulting in a chili that’s both tastier and less greasy.
What can I use instead of condensed cheese soup?
If you can’t find condensed cheese soup, try a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar melted together or a smooth queso dip to maintain that creamy, cheesy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like settling down with a warm bowl of this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe after a long day. It’s flavorful, comforting, and packed with layers of spice and creamy cheese that make each bite a little celebration. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation — perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a little spicy, cheesy goodness in your life.
Print
Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked meal combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese with a blend of spices for a perfect spicy kick. Ideal for cozy gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers rich, creamy queso-infused chili with optional toppings for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed cheese soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spices & Oils
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced green onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, ensuring it’s broken up evenly. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, enhancing the chili’s depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic into your crockpot. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and condensed cheese soup.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to meld the flavors and prevent sticking.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and integrates into the chili, creating a creamy queso texture.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and add more cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat. Prepare optional toppings like sour cream, diced green onions, and jalapeños to garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Drain the excess fat from the browned beef to keep the chili less greasy and healthier.
- Stirring occasionally during the crockpot cooking helps prevent beans from sticking to the sides and ensures even cooking.
- Use full-fat condensed cheese soup for the best creamy texture; light versions may alter taste and consistency.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
