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Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Cozy up with Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, a creamy and hearty slow-cooked dish featuring tender ground beef, spicy peppers, a rich queso cheese blend, and savory spices. Perfect for cold days, this easy-to-make chili offers bold, layered flavors with a comforting cheesy texture that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños or 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, diced
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness and enhance flavor before adding to the crockpot.
  2. Prepare the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced spicy peppers until softened and aromatic, developing the savory base.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer browned beef and sautéed aromatics to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, beef broth, and shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients for balanced flavor.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing spices to meld and cheese to melt into a creamy chili.
  5. Finish and Thicken: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If thicker consistency is desired, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before serving to achieve preferred texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, shredded queso cheese blends for better melting and texture.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef to lock in flavor and improve taste.
  • Sauté aromatics first to build a rich, savory base before slow cooking.
  • Adjust spice level by adding peppers gradually and tasting as you go.
  • Stir the chili occasionally during cooking to prevent cheese from settling at the bottom.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot chili, spicy queso beef chili, slow cooker chili, cheesy chili, comfort food, gluten-free chili