Slow Cooker Kickin Keto Chili | Peace Love and Low Carb (2024)

FAQs

How to thicken chili in the crockpot? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

Rather than adding it directly to the chili (which can create clumps) make a slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this into the pot of chili. For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water.

Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and beans (If you include those) all have associated water. In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

Cook over low heat for at least four hours or up to 8 hours. In final hour of cooking remove cover and increase heat slightly to reduce liquid. Once chili reaches desired consistency replace cover and reduce heat back to low. Serve with side bowls of sour cream and shredded cheese (cheddar, or a good mix) and crackers.

Xanthan gum

Used for baking or thickening soups or sauces, xanthan gum has zero net carbs. Use in small amounts and be sure to sprinkle the thickener into soups or sauces a little at a time so that it doesn't clump.

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

Cocoa Powder

Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. Adding just a teaspoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder like we do in our Instant Pot Chili (pictured above) will make your go-to recipe rich and flavorful.

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Either beef broth or chicken broth will be perfect here for the liquid in this chili. Low-sodium broth can work in a pinch if that's what you have on hand – just add a bit more salt to balance everything out.

Alternatively, you could whip up a cheap meal with this 5-ingredient (now 6-ingredient) chili and simply add a bit of chocolate to the ground beef, diced yellow onion, chili powder, diced tomatoes, and drained beans. Whichever recipe you go for, know that a bit of dark chocolate never hurt anyone.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

Try taking the lid off and setting the slow cooker to high for half an hour before you eat - some of the water will boil off. Also, add a small can of tomato paste - THE best for flavour and thickening. Also adding flower or corn starch slowly really helps. To thicken sauce I toss in some instant mashed potatoes.

Vegetables

Veggies like zucchini, corn, potatoes, and onions release starches that soak up excess moisture. Plus, they'll increase the amount of chili and provide additional fiber. How to do it: Add a cup of finely diced veggies of choice OR blend 1 cup of veggies with 1 cup of chili and stir the mixture into the pot.

If you're not adding masa harina to your chili, you're missing out! Its purpose is two-fold: it lends a subtle corn sweetness and it helps thicken the chili. If you're looking for a recipe to show you how to incorporate it, try Ree's Simple Perfect Chili — it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.