Florida Orange Juice Slow Cooked Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Florida Orange Juice Slow Cooked Chili offers a fresh and zesty twist on a classic comfort food. Combining citrusy brightness with smoky spices, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Slow cooking melds the ingredients into a rich, satisfying chili that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Florida Orange Juice
• 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 2 tbsp. chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 (20 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp. fresh oregano
• 1 tsp. chipotle peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 tsp. finely ground cornmeal
• 1 tsp. Florida Orange zest, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Place the cooked ground beef into a large slow cooker. Add Florida Orange Juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red and green bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, oregano, chipotle peppers, cornmeal, and Florida Orange zest.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on medium to low heat for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop.
4. Step 4: When ready to serve, top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, or your favorite toppings such as chives or extra jalapeños.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or smoked paprika.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Try pairing this chili with a slice of Florida Orange Jalapeño Cornbread for a delicious complement.
• If you like it spicier, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or increase the amount of chipotle peppers.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chili in a large pot over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors combine.

What can I use instead of Florida Orange Juice?

If you don’t have Florida Orange Juice, any fresh orange juice will work. Avoid using juice with added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.

Florida Orange Juice Slow Cooked Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 98 reviews

This Florida Orange Juice Slow Cooked Chili is a zesty twist on classic chili, combining ground beef with vibrant Florida orange juice and zest for a sweet and tangy flavor. Slow cooked to perfection with peppers, spices, and chipotle heat, this comforting chili is perfect for cozy meals and is deliciously topped with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Oils

• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• 4 tbsp. olive oil, divided

Vegetables and Peppers

• 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 2 tbsp. chopped garlic

Liquids and Canned Goods

• 1 ½ cups Florida Orange Juice
• 1 (20 oz.) can diced tomatoes

Spices and Flavorings

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. fresh oregano
• 1 tsp. chipotle peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 tsp. finely ground cornmeal
• 1 tsp. Florida Orange zest, chopped

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture: Place the browned ground beef into a large slow cooker. Add the Florida orange juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red and green bell peppers, diced onion, jalapeño, chopped garlic, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, fresh oregano, canned diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, ground cornmeal, and chopped Florida orange zest.
3. Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on medium to low heat for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
4. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Optionally, garnish with chives or your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

• You can adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat level according to your taste.
• Serve this chili with a side of Florida Orange Jalapeño Cornbread for a perfect pairing.
• The ground cornmeal helps to thicken the chili slightly and adds a subtle texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.

Keywords: chili, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, orange juice chili, Florida orange recipe, spicy chili, comfort food, slow cooked chili