Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s designed to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. You can whip it up in under twenty minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade chili with minimal effort. Serve it with cornbread and your favorite toppings for a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to prep, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and quality ingredients results in a robust flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your chili by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, yielding about 8 servings.
• Easy Clean-Up: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer dishes and more time to relax.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious slow cooker chili, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over hours.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This thick beef slow cooker chili is prepped and in the pot in less than twenty minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknight schedules. Enjoy it with cornbread and all the fixings.

For the Chili Base

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

For the Beans

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans drained and rinsed

For Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked.
2. Add the chopped onion halfway through cooking until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic for one minute, ensuring not to burn it.
4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

1. Pour the browned meat mixture into your slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together low-sodium beef broth and tomato paste until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Beans and Vegetables

1. Add diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper directly into the slow cooker.
2. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook It Slow

1. Cover with a lid; set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours depending on your schedule.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

1. Once cooked, give it a good stir before serving.
2. Adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed.

Enjoy this hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe as a comforting main dish that is sure to impress!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Serving your slow cooker chili is just as important as making it. With the right accompaniments, you can elevate this hearty dish to a new level of deliciousness. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that will complement your chili perfectly.

Top with Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy contrast to the spice.
• Shredded Cheese: A classic choice that melts beautifully on top.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy extra heat.

Pair with Breads

• Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly, it’s a perfect match for chili.
• Garlic Bread: Offers a savory complement with every bite.
• Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping up chili while adding crunch.

Serve with Salads

• Simple Green Salad: Lightens the meal and adds freshness.
• Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that contrasts well.

Create Chili Bowls

• Rice Base: Serve chili over rice for a filling meal.
• Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: A healthier alternative that soaks up the flavors well.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Perfecting your slow cooker chili is all about enhancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices provide better flavor compared to canned options.
• Brown the Meat First: Browning enhances the meat’s flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Seasonings Midway: Taste and adjust seasonings halfway through cooking for optimal flavor balance.
• Let It Rest: Allowing chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Heat Levels: Adjust spices according to your preference for heat; add more cayenne or use hotter peppers if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker chili can enhance the overall meal experience. Here’s a list of delicious sides that work wonderfully with chili.

1. Cornbread – This sweet bread is soft and pairs exceptionally well with spicy chili.
2. Garlic Bread – A flavorful option that complements the richness of your chili.
3. Tortilla Chips – Crunchy and perfect for dipping into your hearty bowl of chili.
4. Green Salad – A light salad balances out the richness of the chili while providing freshness.
5. Coleslaw – The crispness and tanginess offer a delightful contrast to warm, spicy meals.
6. Baked Potatoes – Loaded potatoes topped with chili create an indulgent dish that’s filling and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best slow cooker chili recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Many might think it’s unnecessary, but browning the meat adds depth of flavor. Always brown your ground beef or turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Not measuring spices accurately: Spices are crucial for a flavorful chili. Use measuring spoons instead of estimating to ensure you get the right balance.
• Ignoring the importance of beans: Adding beans early can lead to mushy results. Rinse and drain them, then add them midway through cooking for better texture.
• Overfilling the slow cooker: A full pot doesn’t cook evenly. Make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line for even cooking and great flavor.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your chili before serving. You may need to adjust salt and pepper for your preferred flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the slow cooker chili recipe that can help enhance your cooking experience.

How long does it take to cook a Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Cooking time varies based on your setting. On low, it takes about 6-8 hours; on high, around 3-4 hours.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different beans, vegetables, or even spices according to your taste preferences.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Cornbread is a classic pairing! You can also serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or topped with cheese and sour cream if desired.

Is this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from the beans and lean ground meat while being low in calories per serving.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights where you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. With its hearty ingredients and customizable options, you can make it unique every time. Try adding different veggies or spices to personalize it further!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. In just under twenty minutes, you can have everything prepped and ready to let your slow cooker work its magic. With a blend of chili spices and a mix of beans, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it alongside cornbread or your favorite toppings for an unforgettable meal that warms the soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion halfway through cooking until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic for one minute; drain excess grease.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. Whisk together beef broth and tomato paste; pour over the meat.
4. Add diced tomatoes, beans, and seasonings directly into the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg