Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Chili is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy days. It combines savory ground beef, flavorful beans, and rich tomatoes slowly simmered with spices for a deep, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beans (such as kidney or black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Step 3: Stir all the ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chili is thick and flavors are well blended.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with extra beans or lentils.
- Add chopped bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
- Use a variety of beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
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. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans are a convenient option. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the slow cooker to reduce excess sodium and starch.
How can I make chili spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. Adjust the heat gradually according to your taste.
PrintHearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chili recipe featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that develops rich flavors over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Legumes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat to reduce grease.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and all spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix and Cook: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine evenly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chili is thickened and the flavors have melded into a rich, savory dish.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust salt or chili powder as desired. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Beans can be mixed; black beans or pinto beans work well in place of kidney beans.
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Leftover chili stores well and often tastes better the next day.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, crockpot chili, hearty chili
