Crockpot Apple Cider Chili

When the fall leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to lean into cozy meals that warm the body and soul. Enter this Crockpot Apple Cider Chili—a sweet-meets-savory comfort dish that’s part classic chili, part autumn soup, and 100% cozy. This slow-cooked masterpiece brings together hearty beans, tender veggies, and warming spices, all simmered in the slightly sweet tang of fresh apple cider.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy Sunday afternoons, or tailgate parties with a seasonal twist. Plus, it’s free of pork, bacon, and alcohol, making it a family-friendly, clean-eating comfort meal that doesn’t sacrifice depth or flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Chili

• 🍎 Unique autumn twist with apple cider as the base

• ⏳ Set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipe

• 🫘 Hearty, protein-packed, and full of fiber

• 🌱 Easy to make vegetarian or vegan

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-friendly and free of alcohol or pork

• 🏈 Perfect for game days, potlucks, or fall gatherings

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🛒 Ingredients

This chili balances classic savory flavors with subtle fall sweetness from apple cider.

🔸 Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef (or plant-based crumble for vegan option)

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1½ cups fresh apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)

• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground clove or allspice (optional for depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

🔸 Optional Add-ins:

• 1 small apple, peeled and finely chopped (for extra apple bite)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (if you like a sweeter finish)

• ½ cup corn (fresh or frozen)

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🔄 Optional Toppings:

• Dollop of sour cream or dairy-free yogurt

• Chopped cilantro or parsley

• Sliced green onions

• Shredded cheddar or vegan cheese

• Avocado slices

• Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread

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🥘 How to Make Crockpot Apple Cider Chili

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🔪 Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add ground turkey or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

💡 Using plant-based crumbles? You can skip pre-cooking—just add directly to the crockpot.

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🧅 Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. To the slow cooker, add chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrot, beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.

2. Stir in the apple cider and broth.

3. Sprinkle in all the spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🍎 Want a stronger apple note? Add chopped apple and a drizzle of maple syrup here.

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🕰️ Step 3: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.

• Stir once or twice if you’re nearby.

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🌿 Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes—sour cream, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese or chips.

🥖 Pair with crusty bread, a pumpkin muffin, or maple cornbread for a complete fall meal.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

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🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

🥣 This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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🔁 Variations & Substitutions

🌱 Make It Vegetarian/Vegan

• Use lentils or a meatless crumble (soy or pea protein-based).

• Sub chicken broth for vegetable broth.

🍎 Prefer a Stronger Apple Flavor?

• Add chopped fresh apple.

• Increase apple cider slightly and reduce broth.

🌾 Need It Gluten-Free?

• It already is! Just confirm all packaged items (broth, tomato paste, etc.) are certified GF.

🌶️ Add Heat

• Dice in a jalapeño or add red chili flakes for a kick.

🍫 Add Depth

• Stir in 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa or a pinch of espresso powder for complex richness (optional).

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🔍 Nutritional Highlights (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fiber: 8g

• Fat: 12g

• Sugar: 8g (from cider and veggies)

• Sodium: Varies by broth and tomatoes

🧠 This chili is high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants—great for immune support and fall wellness!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Technically, yes—but fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the richest, most natural flavor. Avoid using apple cider vinegar—it’s not the same!

🔹 Is this chili sweet?

It has a slight natural sweetness from apple cider and carrots. The balance with savory spices keeps it grounded—not sugary.

🔹 What kind of beans work best?

Black beans and kidney beans provide a nice mix of texture and color, but you can use pinto or cannellini beans too.

🔹 Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Simmer everything in a large pot for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🔹 Does this chili freeze well?

Yes! It’s a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. Just cool fully and freeze in labeled containers.

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💬 Reader Reviews & Fall Tips

🍁 Laura from Colorado: “My favorite chili ever—sweet, savory, and full of fall vibes. I added maple cornbread on the side. Perfection!”

🌶️ Ben from Vermont: “Added cayenne for heat and it balanced the apple cider beautifully. Crowd pleaser at the potluck!”

🥕 Jules from North Carolina: “I made this vegetarian with lentils and it was still hearty and flavorful. A new fall staple!”

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🥄 Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Apple Cider Chili is everything you love about fall—warm spices, seasonal flavors, and that set-it-and-forget-it ease. It’s cozy enough for a quiet night at home and crowd-pleasing enough for any autumn gathering. The unexpected addition of apple cider takes this from a typical chili to something memorable, nourishing, and distinctly fall.

Whether you’re prepping for game day, a pumpkin carving night, or just looking for a weeknight win, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and flexibility—all in one bowl.