Florida Orange Juice Slow Cooked Chili Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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