Easy 4 Ingredient Rotel Chili Recipe

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Quick and easy 4 Ingredient Rotel chili made in the crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and ready to serve. It’s a simple, go-to Rotel recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Can i use rotel in chili?

• Learn exactly how to incorporate Rotel tomatoes into chili without making it too spicy or watery
• Get a complete, tested recipe that comes together in minutes in the crock pot so you can set it and forget it, with simple ingredients
• Discover why Rotel works better than regular canned tomatoes and when to use it strategically

Chili with Rotel in the Crockpot

Chili recipe with rotel: What You Need to Know

I love easy dinner ideas. Especially ones where you can dump a few ingredients into the crockpot and set it and forget it! This is one of our favorites. And I always have a freezer full of Rotel that I’ve made with our excess tomatoes from the garden. We use our excess hot peppers too! It’s super easy to make homemade Rotel!

And for more easy frugal family dinner ideas, check this out.

I love to make my own seasoning mixes and flavorings because there are so many hidden ingredients in the store-bought versions. But they also pack so much more flavor than the store-bought. Many premade seasonings are full of gluten for a filler because it’s cheaper than seasoning and herbs. And I really feel like that dilutes the flavors. Knowing what to eat to save money is not as complicated as you might think.

Check out my homemade chili seasoning mix here. It’s the best ever and you’ll never go back to premade!

Chili fixins

There are so many things that make a bowl of chili into a spectacular treat. Of course, it’s great on its own, but with a piece of homemade cornbread, oh my! It makes the perfect kid friendly fall dinner too!

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy chili:

• Frito chili pie (I like regular tortilla chips on the bottom and cheese on the top)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterrey jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese
• Pickle relish (yes, it’s actually good)
• Pickled hot peppers
• Sour cream
• Greek yogurt (plain)
• A squeeze of lime
• Guacamole
• Diced raw onions and/or tomatoes
• Salsa or pico
• Fresh cilantro
• Croutons
• Saltines or oyster crackers
• Green onions
• Red onion, diced

Of course, the possibilities are endless and are all about your tastes. So enjoy what you like! This is the PERFECT topping for chili dogs!

How to Cook Dried Beans

Rotel in chili

The best part about making Rotel in chili is that it’s easy and has a great depth of flavor. You just dump in the can (or bag of frozen) and bam, it’s all there.

You can also add a bag of frozen corn into the chili or more tomato sauce or whatever makes it good to you. I love it more plain.

Tips for Rotel chili

Get ready for this easy chili recipe to be the best chili recipe you ever tasted and one you’ll go back to over and over again. All you need is some Rotel tomatoes, some lean ground beef, some chili seasoning mix, and whatever else you like to add.

We usually do pinto beans, but you can do black beans or whatever kind you like. You can even use ground turkey instead of beef. You’re going to want to make a double batch and freeze one for later. 

If you like chicken chili, this white chicken chili recipe is spectacular too!

Rotel substitute

What if you don’t have any Rotel in your freezer and don’t have a can on hand? There are some substitutes you can make. You can use tomato sauce and a little more chili seasoning if you want a spicier chili.

You can also use salsa or pico de Gallo in place of the Rotel. The beauty of chili is once it cooks into itself, there’s a whole lot of yumminess no matter what you put in it. My sister doesn’t eat beans so we leave them out for her.

I used to have a real sensitivity to nightshades so I couldn’t have peppers or tomatoes. When I wanted chili, I would use the same chili seasoning mix and use pureed pumpkin as the saucy part of the chili.

You wouldn’t even believe how good that is if you don’t taste it for yourself. I was so grateful to get to have chili that was nightshade-free. Now I can enjoy them just fine, and I’m grateful I can have the Rotel!

How to make tomato sauce from Rotel

What if you don’t like chunky chili? What if your kids are picky and they won’t eat it with the diced veggies in it? Just grab that Rotel before you dump it in the crockpot and whiz it up in the blender until it’s smooth.

You get all of the flavors without the texture. It’s great that way too! I’m a texture eater so I understand that you don’t like what you don’t like.

Is Rotel gluten free

Rotel is naturally gluten-free. It’s just yummy, fresh vegetables in a can or frozen in a bag if you made it yourself.

If you’re looking for another yummy ground beef recipe try these:

• loaded burger bowls
• Mongolian ground beef recipe
• Super Easy Hamburger Casserole

Rotel recipes

For more yummy ways to use that delicious spicy Rotel, check these ideas out.

• Rotel Pork Chops
• Smokey Pork Soup with Leftover Pulled Pork
• Chicken rotel spaghetti without Velveeta
• Spicy Tuna Casserole
• Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe
• Easy Taco Soup Kids Love
• Rotel Cheese Dip (without Velveeta)
• Nacho recipe ideas
• Rotel Chili Dip Recipe

For more recipes that use hot peppers, check these out.

This chili is a great Easy Bulk Freezer Meal that you can stock in your freezer too!

Frequently Asked Questions: Easy 4 Ingredient Rotel Chili in the Crock Pot

Can I make this Rotel chili on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Brown the ground beef, drain the grease, then combine all the ingredients in a large pot. Simmer over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well if you’re looking for a lighter version. Just be sure to season the meat well while browning.

Is Rotel chili spicy?

It depends on the type of Rotel you use. Original Rotel has a mild kick, while Mild Rotel is very family-friendly. Hot Rotel adds extra heat if you like spicy chili.

Do I need to drain the canned beans?

Yes. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent the chili from becoming overly salty or starchy.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes. Let the chili cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I make this chili thicker?

Let it cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes if possible. You can also mash some of the beans or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I add more ingredients?

Definitely! While this recipe is delicious with just four ingredients, you can add:

• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Corn
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Jalapeños
• Chili powder
• Garlic
• Cumin

What toppings go well with Rotel chili?

Try serving it with:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Cornbread
• Crackers
• Avocado slices
• Fresh cilantro

How long should I cook chili in the crock pot?

Since the meat is already cooked, you only need to heat everything through. Cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough (6–8 quarts). The cooking time generally stays about the same.

What beans work best in this chili?

Kidney beans are the classic choice, but chili beans, pinto beans, black beans, or a combination all work well.

Can I make this recipe without beans?

Of course! Simply leave them out for a bean-free chili, or replace them with extra meat if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels. If you aren’t making your own chili seasoning, the store bought ones usually contain gluten as a filler.

What should I serve with crock pot Rotel chili?

This easy chili pairs perfectly with cornbread, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, Fritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.