Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili : The Best Slow-Cooked Bowl of Comfort

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, hearty chili—especially when it’s an award-winning chili recipe made in the slow cooker. This Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili is packed with bold spices, tender meat, sweet corn, beans, and a secret touch of sweetness that sets it apart. It’s easy to prepare, makes your house smell incredible, and is guaranteed to impress a crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, attending a potluck, or just need a cozy meal to come home to, this famous chili recipe delivers every time. Bonus? It freezes beautifully, reheats even better, and pairs well with everything from cornbread to Pumpkin Twists.

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What Makes This the Best Chili Recipe (Award-Winning Easy Style)

Chili competitions are about balance—heat, flavor, texture, and aroma. This recipe nails them all.

• Bold spice without overwhelming heat
• A hint of sweetness to round out the acidity
• Perfect texture with tender beef, soft beans, and bits of corn for balance
• Easy prep with crockpot convenience
• Tried, tested, and loved—this recipe has won real chili cook-offs

It’s exactly the kind of chili you serve and hear, “Wow, this is the best chili I’ve ever had.”

Sweet Crockpot Chili with a Secret Ingredient

What sets this chili apart is the sweet-savory balance. A small amount of brown sugar or even dark chocolate adds richness and rounds out the flavor. It doesn’t make the chili “sweet” in the traditional sense—it just enhances everything else.

Some chili lovers are surprised by this twist, but it’s not unusual. Many traditional chili recipes with chocolate use cocoa or dark chocolate to deepen flavor. In this recipe, it brings the “wow” factor.

Want to complement the depth? Serve it with something light like Delicious Apple Fruit Salad or Strawberry Cream Soda.

Ingredients for Famous Crockpot Chili (With Exact Measurements)

This chili feeds a crowd, freezes well, and is easily customizable.

• Ground beef – 2 lbs (900 g), 80/20 for flavor
• Yellow onion – 1 large, chopped
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz / 794 g)
• Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz / 425 g)
• Black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained
• Kidney beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained
• Sweet corn – 1 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Beef broth – 1 cup (240 ml)
• Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1 tablespoon (optional but recommended)
• Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
• Cumin – 1 tablespoon
• Smoked paprika – 2 teaspoons
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing

Optional: Jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for extra heat

Essential Equipment to Make Chili in the Slow Cooker

You don’t need anything fancy—just reliable basics:

• 6–8 quart crockpot or slow cooker
• Skillet for browning meat
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowls and ladle

Tip: Serve it in a Crock Pot Easy Dinner format by setting the crockpot to warm and letting guests help themselves.

How to Make Chili Con Carne Crockpot Style – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add garlic and stir for another minute. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Layer in the crockpot
Transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.

Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 4: Taste and adjust
Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. Add more salt or spice if needed.

Step 5: Serve hot with toppings
Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.

This is the kind of chili that pairs beautifully with Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups if you want to end your meal on a sweet note.

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Why This Is the Best Chili Recipe Crock Pots Are Made For

Slow cookers do more than just cook—they infuse. The extended, even heat allows flavors to marry in a way that stovetop cooking just can’t replicate.

• Hands-off cooking: No babysitting needed.
• No scorching: Gentle simmering prevents burning.
• Builds layers of flavor: Every hour makes it better.

This is why crockpots are a staple for weekend meals, holiday potlucks, and especially chili cook-offs.

Crockpot Chili with Corn and Beans – Flavor Additions That Shine

This isn’t just a meat-heavy chili. The corn adds texture and sweetness, while the beans bring heartiness and fiber. You can mix up the beans based on your preferences:

• Pinto beans for a traditional touch
• Cannellini beans for a creamy texture
• Chickpeas for a nutty twist

Looking for more chili-twist ideas? Try it with a side of Garlicky Kale and White Beans.

Can You Add Chocolate to Chili? Yes – And Here’s Why It Works

Don’t be afraid—chocolate belongs in chili. It’s not a dominant flavor, but it adds depth and umami. In Mexican cuisine, mole sauces often use chocolate, and this chili borrows from that tradition.

You can use:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 70% dark chocolate
• Bittersweet baking chocolate

Add it during the initial slow cooking stage to melt fully and blend into the sauce.

How to Make Crockpot Chili for a Crowd

Hosting a large gathering? Here’s how to scale it:

• Double or triple the recipe in an 8-quart or larger crockpot
• Use multiple slow cookers if needed
• Serve with a toppings bar—cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado
• Offer sides like chips, cornbread, or Sweet Chili Sauce

It’s perfect for tailgate parties, church gatherings, or even holiday meal prep.

Toppings and Serving Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Toppings can make a good chili great. Here are must-haves:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Diced red onion or scallions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
• Hot sauce for the heat lovers

You can even serve it over baked potatoes or with Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole for a full meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Leftover Chili

In the fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Portion into freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Microwave individual servings or simmer gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Leftovers? Try it over Mini Pancake Cereal or rolled into Crescent Roll Mummy Hot Dogs for a spooky twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Slow Cooker Chili

• Skipping the beef browning step: Adds depth and texture
• Overloading with liquid: Use less broth for a thick chili
• Not seasoning enough: Be generous with your spices
• Adding too much sugar: Balance is key
• Cooking too fast: Low and slow is always better

What to Serve with Crockpot Chili – Best Pairings and Drinks

• Cornbread or cornbread muffins
• Tortilla chips or nachos
• Side salads like Fall Fruit Salad
• Pumpkin Cream Puffs for dessert
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Hibiscus Iced Tea, Peach Smoothie, or Strawberry Cream Soda

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FAQs – Everything You Want to Know About Award-Winning Chili

Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes! Omit beans and add extra beef or veggies.

Is it very spicy?
No, but you can increase heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne.

Can I cook it overnight?
Yes, on LOW for 8 hours while you sleep. Perfect for early events.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! It works well with the same seasoning.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes—use the sauté setting for the beef, then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts + Share Your Famous Chili Recipe Moments

This Chili Cook-Off Winner Crockpot Chili brings together everything you love in a bowl: warmth, flavor, heartiness, and that sweet little secret that keeps people guessing. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a panel of judges, this chili delivers first-place flavor every time.

If you try this recipe, be sure to share your results, drop a comment below, and subscribe to our blog for more slow cooker favorites. And if you’re building a chili night menu, don’t forget to check out our One Pot Shawarma Chicken or Ground Beef Wellington for a hearty second course.

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