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Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili

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This Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Made with tender ground beef, smoky spices, creamy cheese, and a touch of heat, it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep, this slow-cooked chili delivers a rich, satisfying bowl every time.

  • Total Time: 140 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef

  • 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 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes

  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste

  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

  • 1/3 cup hot sauce

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt to taste

  • 23 cups 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

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.

  • Add chopped onions and poblano peppers to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

  • Transfer the vegetables and spices to the slow cooker. Add crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, diced green chilies, hot sauce, bay leaves, and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir well.

  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

  • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Mix until melted and smooth.

  • Add drained chili beans, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Adjust seasoning with salt and broth if needed.

  • Serve hot with avocado slices and Greek yogurt on top.

Notes

  • Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne or hot sauce.

  • Substitute ground chicken for a lighter version.

  • Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes