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Cozy Crockpot Apple Butter Chili (No Beans)

cozy crockpot apple butter chili no beans - featured image
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A rich, smoky, and surprisingly sweet no-bean chili made with apple butter for a deep, complex flavor. This dump-and-go crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup high-quality apple butter
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Bloom the Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
  3. Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the beef and spice mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the apple butter, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the flavors are melded and the chili is thick.
  5. Finish and Adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional apple butter if desired.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

For best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef and don’t skip blooming the spices. The chili thickens as it cooks; if too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, apple butter chili, no bean chili, slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe, fall chili, gluten-free chili, low-carb chili

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-crockpot-apple-butter-chili-no-beans/