Crock Pot Chili Made With Fresh Tomatoes

Chili is a go-to comfort food meal, especially when the weather turns cooler, but did you know that you can make it in the crock pot using fresh tomatoes?

Although you can make chili using canned tomatoes, fresh ripe tomatoes adds a deep, rich flavor to chili that you just can’t get from those that come in a can. Plus, it’s a great way to use tomatoes when your garden is still producing in late summer and early Fall.

Just be sure to use tomatoes that are ripe and not green. Ripe tomatoes are ideal because they have a natural sweetness that will compliment the other ingredients perfectly.

One of the best things about making chili in a crock pot is that it’s practically effortless. Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, the slow cooker does all the work.

The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a thick, hearty chili with minimal effort. Set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed.

How to Prepare Fresh Tomatoes for Crock Pot Chili

You’ve got a couple of options when it comes to preparing your tomatoes for chili. If you’re in a hurry and don’t mind a more rustic, textured chili, you can leave the skins and seeds intact. It’s faster and gives the chili a chunkier texture.

But if you’re someone who prefers a smoother chili, you might want to peel and seed your tomatoes first. Here’s a quick way to do it:

• For peeled and seeded tomatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil, cut an “X” on the bottom of each tomato, and drop them into the water for about 30-60 seconds. Once the skins start to peel, transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water. Peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop them up.

Whichever method you choose, aim for diced pieces about ½ inch in size. Then, toss them into your slow cooker and add the other ingredients.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef (or Alternatives)

When it comes to meat, ground chuck is a great option for chili. It has the perfect 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio, giving you juicy, flavorful results. However, if you want to go a little leaner, ground sirloin is another option.

Although if you’re aiming for an even healthier version, ground turkey or chicken can easily replace the beef. Just keep in mind that leaner meats will need a little extra oil in the skillet when browning to prevent sticking.

And if you are wondering if it is absolutely necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crock pot when making chili and answer is simple. No, you don’t have to brown the meat, but the flavor of the chili will be much better if you do so.

What Beans to Use in Crock Pot Chili

When it comes to beans, it really depends on your taste. The classic choice is kidney beans because of their firm texture and slightly earthy flavor. Pinto beans are another option, with a softer texture and milder taste.

Black beans are also a great addition. They add a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture, which pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes.

For the best results, mix different types of beans for more depth of flavor. And if you don’t like beans in your chili, simply leave them out.

Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix

Store-bought chili seasoning might seem like a great option, but making your own is easy and lets you control the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chili Powder
• Ground cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Mix these spices together and add them to your crock pot. One of the great things about making chili in a slow cooker is that you can taste as you go. If it needs more heat or salt, you can always adjust the seasoning toward the end of cooking.

How To Make Chili in a Crock Pot

Once you’ve got your tomatoes, meat, beans, and seasoning ready, it’s time to get the chili cooking.

1. Start by browning your meat (ground beef, turkey, or chicken) in a skillet, then drain off any excess fat. If you’re using a leaner meat, you may not need to drain much.
2. Add the meat to your crock pot along with your diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and beans (if using). If you are using beans, there is no need to drain them. The liquid from the beans adds to the overall flavor.
3. Stir in your homemade chili seasoning and let everything cook on low for about 6-8 hours. The longer, the better, as this will allow the flavors to really come together.
4. If you prefer a thicker chili, take the lid off during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to let some of the moisture evaporate.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. If you have leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months.

When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it on the stovetop over medium heat or reheat it in the microwave. If your chili is a bit thick after reheating, just add a little water or broth to thin it out.

Crock Pot Chili Recipe Made With Fresh Tomatoes

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp oil
• 2 large onions, diced
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chopped tomatoes, skin intact
• 2 bell peppers, any color, diced
• 2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans, any variety, not drained
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1 jalapeno (optional), more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add oil to a large skillet placed over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot and shimmery add the diced onions and sauté until they begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef and minced garlic and continue to cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain if necessary and place the beef mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
5. Cook on low power for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Optional: During the last hour of cooking remove the lid to thicken the chili.

Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings.

Making chili in a crock pot with fresh tomatoes is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food meal. The slow cooking process really brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and lets all the flavors come together.

Plus, it’s an easy way to enjoy homemade chili without much effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting meal for a cool evening, this crock pot chili is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

However, if you prefer to make chili on the stove top, here is a great recipe: Stove Top Chili Made With Fresh Tomatoes.

ENJOY!

Follow Our Facebook Page For Even More Great Tomato Growing Tips! I Grow Tomatoes Facebook Page

I Grow Tomatoes is a website created for those who love all things about tomatoes – from planting and growing – to cooking and canning! We publish two articles every week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email! This article may contain affiliate links.