Can I make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili without beans?

Yes, you can simply leave out the beans if you prefer a bean-free chili. To keep the texture and heartiness, consider adding extra diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or increase the amount of ground beef. This will maintain the chili’s rich consistency and depth of flavor without the beans. The cooking time and other ingredients remain the same.

Is this Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely, this chili is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients such as cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and check that your hot sauce and other condiments don’t contain gluten. It’s always a good idea to verify labels if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What type of hot sauce works best for Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?

A balanced hot sauce with moderate heat and vinegar notes, like Frank’s RedHot, complements this chili well. It adds flavor without overpowering the creamy queso and spicy beef. Feel free to adjust the amount and brand based on your heat preference or regional availability.

How can I make this Crockpot Queso Beef Chili spicier without overwhelming the dish?

To increase spiciness gradually, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper early in the cooking process. Alternatively, include a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce before serving. Taste the chili as it cooks to avoid overpowering the creamy queso base and ensure a balanced heat level.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?

Classic sides include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad to balance the rich, spicy flavors. You can also serve it over rice or with a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro for added freshness. These sides complement the chili and enhance the overall meal experience.

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili Recipe For Comfort Food

Name: Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 pounds ground beef Provides protein and umami, serving as the hearty base that gives the chili its rich, meaty flavor.; – 2 yellow onions, chopped Acts as aromatics, adding sweetness and depth that enhances the overall taste when cooked down.; – 2 poblano peppers, chopped Brings mild heat and smokiness, contributing to the chili’s spicy profile while adding vitamins.; – 2 tablespoons chili powder Adds bold spice and depth, forming the core seasoning that defines the chili’s warm, earthy notes.; – 1 tablespoon garlic powder Infuses a savory punch, improving flavor without the need for fresh garlic and helping to bind the ingredients.; – 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Offers a smoky essence, enhancing the umami and giving the dish a distinctive, grilled-like taste.; – 2 teaspoons ground cumin Provides warmth and nuttiness, balancing the spices and adding complexity to the crockpot queso beef chili.; – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Delivers adjustable heat, allowing you to control the spiciness while boosting the chili’s kick.; – 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire roasted tomatoes Adds acidity and body, creating a robust base that ties all flavors together.; – 1 can (8 ounces) tomato paste Thickens the mixture and intensifies the tomato flavor, making the slow-cooker spicy chili more hearty.; – 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies Introduces a mild tang and texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.; – 1/3 cup hot sauce Brings extra spice and vinegar notes, elevating the heat level while adding a zesty brightness.; – 3 tablespoons salted butter Contributes creaminess and richness, helping to meld the ingredients in this crockpot queso chili.; – 2 bay leaves Infuses subtle herbal flavors, improving the depth during the long cooking process.; – Salt to taste Balances the flavors, ensuring the dish is seasoned just right for your preference.; – 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth Serves as the simmering medium, adjusting consistency and adding savory notes to the chili.; – 6 ounces cream cheese Creates a creamy texture, blending into the queso element for a smooth, indulgent finish.; – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Forms the signature queso flavor, melting to add cheesiness and comfort to the slow-cooker queso chili.; – 1 can mixed chili beans Adds fiber and bulk, providing heartiness and making the dish more filling.; – 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Brightens the final taste with fresh herbs, used as a garnish for added flavor.; – 1/4 cup chopped green onions Offers a crisp topping, enhancing the dish with a mild onion bite and visual appeal.; – Avocado slices for topping Provides creaminess and healthy fats, cooling the spice when served on top.; – Plain Greek yogurt for topping Adds a cooling, creamy element that balances the heat and boosts protein.

Description

🌶️ This Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili combines rich, hearty flavors with a creamy queso twist for comforting meals.
🍲 Slow-cooked ingredients meld perfectly, creating a robust and satisfying chili ideal for cozy dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds ground beef Provides protein and umami, serving as the hearty base that gives the chili its rich, meaty flavor.

– 2 yellow onions, chopped Acts as aromatics, adding sweetness and depth that enhances the overall taste when cooked down.

– 2 poblano peppers, chopped Brings mild heat and smokiness, contributing to the chili’s spicy profile while adding vitamins.

– 2 tablespoons chili powder Adds bold spice and depth, forming the core seasoning that defines the chili’s warm, earthy notes.

– 1 tablespoon garlic powder Infuses a savory punch, improving flavor without the need for fresh garlic and helping to bind the ingredients.

– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Offers a smoky essence, enhancing the umami and giving the dish a distinctive, grilled-like taste.

– 2 teaspoons ground cumin Provides warmth and nuttiness, balancing the spices and adding complexity to the crockpot queso beef chili.

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Delivers adjustable heat, allowing you to control the spiciness while boosting the chili’s kick.

– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire roasted tomatoes Adds acidity and body, creating a robust base that ties all flavors together.

– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato paste Thickens the mixture and intensifies the tomato flavor, making the slow-cooker spicy chili more hearty.

– 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies Introduces a mild tang and texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.

– 1/3 cup hot sauce Brings extra spice and vinegar notes, elevating the heat level while adding a zesty brightness.

– 3 tablespoons salted butter Contributes creaminess and richness, helping to meld the ingredients in this crockpot queso chili.

– 2 bay leaves Infuses subtle herbal flavors, improving the depth during the long cooking process.

– Salt to taste Balances the flavors, ensuring the dish is seasoned just right for your preference.

– 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth Serves as the simmering medium, adjusting consistency and adding savory notes to the chili.

– 6 ounces cream cheese Creates a creamy texture, blending into the queso element for a smooth, indulgent finish.

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Forms the signature queso flavor, melting to add cheesiness and comfort to the slow-cooker queso chili.

– 1 can mixed chili beans Adds fiber and bulk, providing heartiness and making the dish more filling.

– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Brightens the final taste with fresh herbs, used as a garnish for added flavor.

– 1/4 cup chopped green onions Offers a crisp topping, enhancing the dish with a mild onion bite and visual appeal.

– Avocado slices for topping Provides creaminess and healthy fats, cooling the spice when served on top.

– Plain Greek yogurt for topping Adds a cooling, creamy element that balances the heat and boosts protein.

Instructions

First Step: Mise en Place and Browning the Meat: Start with mise en place by gathering and prepping your ingredients to make cooking smooth. Brown 2 pounds of ground beef (or a substitute like ground chicken) in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks and draining excess fat. Once done, add the sautéed onions and garlic until they’re translucent this step builds browning and depth, setting the foundation for your crockpot spicy queso beef chili. Transfer everything to the slow cooker to prepare for the next stage.

Second Step: Combine Base Ingredients: Now, add the browned meat to the slow cooker along with 28 ounces of crushed fire roasted tomatoes, 2-3 cups of beef broth, 1 can of mixed chili beans, the chopped poblano peppers, and your measured spices: 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir well to mix, ensuring even distribution for a balanced slow-cooker spicy chili. This combination allows the flavors to meld gently over time, creating that signature depth.

Third Step: Add Queso Elements: Towards the end of cooking, introduce the creamy components by stirring in 6 ounces of cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese about 30-60 minutes before serving. For vegan or low-calorie options, add plant-based cheese at this stage to preserve creaminess without dairy. This step is crucial for the queso effect, transforming your crockpot queso beef chili into a velvety delight that ties all elements together.

Fourth Step: Set Slow Cooker and Timing: Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, allowing the ingredients to simmer and gently meld. Longer low cooking, as in this slow-cooker spicy chili, deepens the flavor, making it ideal for busy days. Keep an eye on the pot to ensure a steady simmer, adapting for dietary needs like using vegetable broth if going vegan.

Fifth Step: Thicken and Finish: About 20-30 minutes before serving, check the consistency and thicken if needed by adding a cornstarch slurry. Then, stir in fresh elements like 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust for variations such as reducing cheese for a lighter version, keeping your crockpot spicy queso beef chili adaptable.

Sixth Step: Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the chili and tweak seasoning, adding more salt or cayenne if it needs a kick. For extra spice, increase the hot sauce, but do so gradually to maintain balance. This is also a good time to consider gluten-free checks on all ingredients, ensuring your slow-cooker queso chili stays inclusive.

Final Step: Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with avocado slices, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and chopped green onions for a fresh finish. For make-ahead meals, cool and store in the fridge or freezer as detailed later; reheating tips include stirring in fresh cheese to recapture creaminess. This crockpot spicy queso beef chili pairs well with sides, and for more ideas, check out our slow-cooker pepper steak for complementary dishes.

Notes

🔥 Brown the meat first to improve texture and flavor.
⏳ Slow cook chili for deeper flavor; consider making ahead and reheating.
🌶️ Adjust spice levels by modifying hot sauce and chili powder quantities to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Browning
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 472

Keywords: Spicy Queso Chili,Beef Chili,Crockpot Chili,Hearty Comfort