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Family-Size Crockpot Chili for Freezing

Family size crockpot chili for freezing cooks low and slow in a 6-quart slow cooker, with browned beef, beans, and a rich tomato base. Portion it into shallow containers for a hearty freezer meal that reheats easily.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion large, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper large, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz) beans such as kidney or pinto, drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet
  • 1 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

  1. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, for 7–9 minutes until browned and it reaches 160°F.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, salt, and pepper.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chili is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Divide the chili among shallow freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
  9. Freeze within 2 hours of cooking.
  10. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  11. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, until steaming throughout and 165°F.

Notes

For best quality, cool and portion the chili promptly in shallow containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ground turkey can replace the beef for a leaner variation.