When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, hearty meal with minimal fuss, a slow cooker chili is the perfect solution. Set it up in the morning or afternoon, and come home to a delicious, aromatic meal that’s ready to serve. This recipe is easy to make, flavorful, and ideal for those relaxing evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the meat)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef (Optional): For a richer flavor, you can brown the ground beef first. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Vegetables: If you skipped browning the meat, just add the raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and any other vegetables you like.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Season: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a richer chili.
- Adjust Seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your taste.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or a side of crusty bread for a complete, cozy meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili
- Brown the Meat: While optional, browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor that enhances the chili.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.
Variations
- Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper if you like more heat.
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the meat with extra beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a few tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
This slow cooker chili recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you want to come home to a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!