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Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is a rich, hearty, and creamy chili recipe combining tender ground beef with spicy green chiles and melted queso cheese, slow-cooked to develop bold flavors and a luscious texture. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or meal prepping, this comfort food offers customizable heat levels and an irresistible cheesy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green chiles or 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to taste)

Dairy

  • 8 oz queso cheese (Velveeta or similar), cut into cubes

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. This adds rich flavor and ensures it’s cooked through before slow cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chopped onions, garlic, green chiles or jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows spices to meld beautifully.
  4. Add the Queso Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the queso cheese cubes until fully melted and creamy throughout the chili, creating its signature rich, luscious texture.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of broth. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality lean ground beef for best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef to develop caramelized depth of flavor.
  • Add queso cheese at the end to keep its smooth, melty consistency.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually by adding jalapeños little by little and tasting.
  • Rinse canned beans to reduce saltiness and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chili, crockpot chili, queso beef chili, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, cheesy chili, easy chili