Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Published: August 23, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With a simple set of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious chili cooking away in your crockpot without much effort.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and creamy queso creates a rich and gratifying flavor profile that will satisfy any palate.
Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this chili by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for future meals.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at parties or family gatherings, and watch it disappear quickly as guests rave about its taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili, gather your tools and prepare your ingredients. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for low and slow cooking, enhancing the flavors while making it effortless to prepare.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space to chop your vegetables efficiently.
Sharp knife: Using a sharp knife makes slicing onions and peppers easier, speeding up the prep time.

Ingredients

Add a side of beer bread and toppings for the perfect bowl of winter chili on these coldest days of the year!

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds ground beef (or use ground chicken)
– 2 yellow onions, chopped
– 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (28 ounce) crushed fire roasted tomatoes
– 1 can (8 ounce) tomato paste
– 1 can (4 ounce) diced green chilies
– 1/3 cup hot sauce
– 3 tablespoons salted butter
– 2 bay leaves
– salt, to taste
– 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth
– 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can mixed chili beans, drained
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– avocado and Greek yogurt, for serving

How to Make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Meat

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Chop Your Vegetables

While the meat is cooking, chop the onions and poblano peppers on your cutting board.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, combine the browned beef, chopped onions, poblano peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced green chilies, hot sauce, butter, bay leaves, salt, and broth.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for about two hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Cheese

After two hours of cooking, add the cream cheese in chunks. Stir until melted. Then add shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve with avocado slices and Greek yogurt as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Serving Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. You can add a variety of toppings and pair it with delicious sides to create a memorable meal.

Toppings

Avocado – Creamy slices of avocado add a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
Greek Yogurt – Use as a healthier alternative to sour cream for a tangy finish.
Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle some chopped cilantro for an aromatic touch.
Chopped Green Onions – These add crunch and a mild onion flavor.

Bread Pairings

Beer Bread – A warm slice of beer bread complements the chili perfectly, offering a soft texture.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread balances the spice of the chili while adding a comforting element.

Serving Style

Chili Bowls – Serve in deep bowls with all your favorite toppings piled high for a hearty presentation.
Family Style – Place the pot on the table and let everyone serve themselves, allowing for customization.

How to Perfect Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

To ensure your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Meat – Selecting high-quality ground beef or chicken enhances the overall flavor and texture of your chili.
Balance Your Spice Levels – Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference, keeping it flavorful without overwhelming spice.
Let It Simmer Longer – Allowing the chili to cook longer deepens flavors. The longer, the better!
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh onions, peppers, and herbs will bring vibrant flavors compared to dried or canned alternatives.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich taste.

Cornbread – A sweet and buttery bread that pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.
Garlic Bread – Crunchy and aromatic garlic bread is perfect for dipping into chili.
Rice – A bowl of fluffy white or brown rice helps to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
Tortilla Chips – Crispy chips are great for scooping up chili and adding crunch.
Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heat of the chili.
Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a filling meal option.
Salad – A light green salad can offer freshness alongside the hearty chili.
Grilled Vegetables – Roasted or grilled veggies make a healthy, colorful side that complements any bowl of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfect.

Skipping the browning step: Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. This adds depth of flavor that enhances your chili.
Ignoring spice adjustments: Not everyone enjoys spicy food. Test the spice levels and adjust according to your taste before serving.
Overlooking ingredient quality: Use fresh vegetables and quality spices. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor.
Neglecting to stir periodically: While crockpots are convenient, occasional stirring helps distribute flavors evenly for a better outcome.
Not letting it rest: After cooking, let your chili sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili.

Can I make Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

How spicy is Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili?

The spice level can vary based on the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you use. Adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.

What toppings go well with this chili?

You can add avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or green onions as delightful toppings.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works well as alternatives to ground beef.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different meats and toppings to suit your taste. Perfect for chilly nights, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try!