There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chili, especially when it’s perfectly portioned for two. This Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe is a game-changer when you want a cozy, flavorful meal without leftovers piling up. Rich, hearty, and packed with spices, this chili comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days or chilly evenings. The blend of tender ground meat, zesty tomato sauce, and tender kidney beans offers a delightful texture and depth of flavor that feels like a big, warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that classic chili flavor. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic spices, every component brings something special to the table, ensuring the final dish is balanced, colorful, and satisfying.
- ½ pound ground beef or other ground meat: Provides a rich and hearty foundation for the chili, adding protein and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a bright and slightly spicy aroma that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 small onion, chopped or 1 tablespoon dry chopped onions: Adds sweetness and depth, creating a savory base alongside the meat.
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce: Gives vibrant color and a smooth tomato flavor that ties the chili together.
- 15.5 ounces canned dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Contributes a creamy texture and subtle earthiness that complements the meat.
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder: Delivers the essential heat and smoky spice that makes chili chili.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami with a slightly tangy, savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy layer that’s iconic in chili recipes.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall profile.
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the spices.
- ½ cup water (optional but recommended): Helps the chili reach the perfect consistency without becoming too thick or dry.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground meat. Stir it constantly to break it up and cook it evenly. After about two minutes, toss in the chopped onion, letting it cook until the meat is almost browned—usually around four to five minutes total. Just before transferring, add the minced garlic so it releases its flavor without burning. Once everything is cooked through, drain any excess fat for a healthier chili, then move this mixture into your crock pot.
Step 2: Prepare Beans
While the meat is browning, rinse and drain the canned kidney beans. This step is crucial to remove excess sodium and any canned taste, ensuring the beans are fresh, creamy, and ready to soak up those chili spices. Once prepared, add them directly to the crock pot, mixing them gently with the meat.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients and Cook
Pour in the tomato sauce along with the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, and black pepper. For a perfect consistency, add half a cup of water if you like your chili a bit saucier. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors before covering the crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours or speed things up by using the high setting for 4 hours. The long, slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and thickens the chili into a hearty, comforting meal.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings bring an extra touch of love and personality to your chili. Classic choices like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro add creaminess and brightness that contrast the warm spice. For a bit of crunch, diced onions or crunchy tortilla strips work wonders, creating a more textured, dynamic eating experience.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and let the chili shine by pairing it with cornbread, which offers a lightly sweet and buttery balance to the robust flavors. A crisp green salad can provide refreshing contrast, while a bowl of tortilla chips is perfect for scooping up every last bite of chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible twist. You could also transform leftovers into a baked chili topping over a baked potato or even as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Getting creative not only stretches your meal further but also adds variety to your weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover chili (which is rare with this recipe!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick reheat whenever hunger calls again.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When properly sealed, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer, allowing you a ready-made meal whenever you’re in a pinch.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave with short bursts, stirring in between to keep the chili evenly heated. Adding a splash of water may help loosen the chili if it thickened overnight.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute if you want a leaner option. Just follow the same browning steps but watch the cooking time carefully, as these meats tend to cook a little faster.
Is it necessary to add water to the chili?
The water is optional but recommended as it helps achieve the perfect chili consistency. Without it, your chili might be too thick or dry, especially as it cooks for several hours in the crock pot.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Definitely! Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to boost the heat. Tweak it to your taste and enjoy your personalized spice level.
Do I have to pre-cook the meat before adding to the crock pot?
Yes, browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic before slow cooking enhances the flavor and ensures the meat cooks evenly without being rubbery.
How do I know when the chili is done?
When cooked on low, the chili should be ready after 8 hours, and on high after 4 hours. The flavors should be well blended, and the sauce thick and hearty. Taste it near the end to adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal but don’t want to cook for an army, this Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfectly portioned, making it ideal for quiet nights in or casual meals with a loved one. Trust me, once you try this chili, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Chili for Two is a satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, this chili simmers slowly in a crock pot to develop a rich, hearty flavor. Ideal for a small household, this recipe balances convenience with homestyle comfort, delivering a delicious and warming bowl of chili with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- ½ pound ground beef or other ground meat
- 1 small onion, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dry chopped onions)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Base and Beans
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 15.5 ounces canned dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional
- ½ cup water (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground meat. Stir constantly to break it up as it cooks. After about 2 minutes, add the chopped onion and continue to cook until the meat is nearly browned, around 4 to 5 minutes from the start. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and the meat is fully cooked through. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Move the browned meat and aromatics mixture into a small crock pot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Prepare Beans: Rinse and drain the canned kidney beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove any canning liquids. Add the beans directly to the crock pot with the meat mixture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Stir: Pour in the canned tomato sauce, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt, ground black pepper, and the optional water. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a thick, hearty chili perfect for serving.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, use less water or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- This recipe works well with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
