We’re a chili kinda family. All winter long, chili chili chili. And some of the summer, too. It’s so versatile — great for camping, or chilly days (see what I did there?), or taking the crockpot outside to plug in because it’s too hot to cook in the house. Whenever.
We love all kinds, too. But personally, I like mine with a little meat in with the beans…like this crock pot chili with bratwurst. All those savory not-too-spicy flavors (it’s totally kid-friendly) make it just right.
We started tinkering with this recipe getting ready for one of the school chili cook-offs. This is my husband’s thing. He does it every year…unfortunately, he peaked early and won his first year, and he’s spent every year since trying to reclaim his rightful title.
I originally named this “The Best Wurst Chili Ever” (cooking the chili is his job, naming it is mine. I have one job and I’m pretty sure I flopped.) I thought it was hilariously clever…but when we brought it to the school chili cook-off, no one came to our table. Maybe because of the “wurst” in the title? No one names their food the Wurst…or Worst…of anything. This is why I don’t name sandwiches for a living, and I think now I’ve been fired from naming our chilis, too.
Aren’t chili cook-offs supposed to be in the name of fun with just a little friendly rivalry? This is stressing me out.
So. For our purposes, we’ll call it “Crock Pot Chili With Bratwurst” and hopefully that sounds a lot more appetizing.
Cook up a big pot of it for a football party or snowy day or anytime you just need dinner in a crockpot. I’d serve with some grated cheese and sour cream and fresh baked bread, if you have it.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg bratwurst
- 2 15 oz cans Great Northern beans, drained
- 2 15 oz cans chicken broth
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (not drained)
- 1 pkg chili seasoning (we like Senior Gordon's, but you can use any)
- 2 diced green bell peppers
- 1 4 oz can green chiles
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your Crockpot or slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If the bratwurst hasn't broken into small pieces during cooking, remove it, chop it up, return to slow cooker for 15 minutes and serve.
- Top with sour cream, cheese, and diced onion if you like that sort of thing (doesn't everyone like that sort of thing? Except those who must smell our breath after?)

For more easy, delicious crockpot meals, try one of these:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
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I’ve made this a couple times and I love it!! My only thing is I can never get it to thicken like chili normally is. I always end up with chili soup. I’ve made a roux and added that and I’ve also done just plain cornstarch. Any other ideas would be helpful. 🙂
yeah, we eat ours a little liquidy…you can add in some flour and stir to thicken it up. The cornstarch is a good idea, too!
Or don’t add stock. Just use the liquid from the beans and it’ll be nice and thick. Great recipe otherwise
Hi! I saw this on the Sumo’s Sweet Stuff link party and wanted to tell you that this looks so delicious! We love brats at our house and they sound so delicious in chili! I’ll be pinning it and giving it a try. 🙂
Ashlyn @ http://belleofthekitchen.com
Hey! This lovely chili looks delicious! Just popping over from the sunday showcase link up. I had to pin this! I’d love it if you dropped by for a visit at my site http://www.kneadedcreations.com . I will look forward to seeing you over there! Deb @ Kneaded Creations
Sounds so good!!
Are the bratwurst pre-cooked?
Nope! Just slice ’em up, toss ’em in and let the slow cooker work its magic!