Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chili is the ultimate hands-off comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with protein from the beef and beans, and filled with rich flavors from a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld perfectly, making it even better as leftovers. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed)
• 30 oz diced tomatoes (with their juice)
• 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
• 30 oz tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked beef and onion to the slow cooker.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is hot and the flavors are well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili powder if needed before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Serves: 10
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 3-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with additional beans like pinto or chickpeas for a meatless chili.
• Spicy: Add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Make it smokier: Toss in a little chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika to give your chili a deeper flavor.
• Turkey version: Substitute the ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze chili for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool before storing it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still provide a hearty texture for the chili.

2. Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can cook it in an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef and onion, then pressure cook on high for about 20 minutes.

3. How do I make the chili spicier?

You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to increase the heat.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this chili?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn would make great additions to the chili.

5. Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

6. How can I thicken the chili?

If you prefer a thicker chili, simply cook it uncovered for the last 30 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. You can also add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it faster.

7. Can I use canned chili beans?

Yes, you can replace the black and kidney beans with canned chili beans for extra flavor, but be mindful of the salt content in the canned version.

8. How long does it take to cook on high?

When cooked on high, it should take about 3-4 hours for the chili to be ready.

9. Can I serve this chili with something other than cornbread?

Yes, tortilla chips, crackers, or even rice are great alternatives to serve alongside the chili.

10. How can I make this chili richer in flavor?

To deepen the flavor, consider adding a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chili is a game-changer for busy weeknights or a comforting meal during chilly weather. The slow-cooking process makes the beef tender and infuses all the ingredients with rich, bold flavors. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite toppings and variations, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your household!