Slow Cooker Chili

This Slow Cooker Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game day celebrations. With its hearty ingredients and robust spices, this chili will warm you up and satisfy your hunger with minimal effort. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This slow cooker recipe requires just a few simple steps, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and slow cooking enhances the flavors, resulting in a rich and robust chili.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the beans or spices based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: With lean ground beef or turkey and plenty of beans, this chili is high in protein yet low in unhealthy fats.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To make this slow cooker chili, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low and slow cooking that melds flavors beautifully.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing its flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware and breaking up meat easily.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced any color
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 3: Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours).

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings if desired. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker chili!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili

Serving slow cooker chili is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Toppings

• Shredded cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy texture.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the spices in the chili.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a crunchy bite and vibrant color.
• Fresh cilantro: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an herbal flavor boost.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread to soak up the chili and add a slightly sweet flavor.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping and add an enjoyable texture.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice balances the hearty chili well, making it even more filling.

Serve with Beverages

• Iced tea: Refreshing iced tea complements the heat of the chili perfectly.
• Sparkling water: Offer sparkling water with lime for a fizzy and refreshing option.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili

Perfecting slow cooker chili involves tweaking flavors and textures until you achieve your desired taste. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold spices: Use fresh spices like cumin and chili powder for maximum flavor impact.
• Layer your flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavors.
• Adjust thickness: If your chili is too thick, add more broth or crushed tomatoes as it cooks.
• Let it rest: Allowing your chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker chili can elevate the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: This classic accompaniment adds sweetness and pairs wonderfully with spicy flavors.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a rich contrast to the hearty chili, enhancing every bite.
3. Vegetable sticks: Crisp carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks provide a refreshing crunch alongside the warmth of the chili.
4. Salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly balances out the richness of the chili.
5. Baked potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a base; guests can top them with chili for a filling option.
6. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture, while its tanginess cuts through the spice nicely.
7. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make excellent dippers and complement the flavors in your chili well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker chili, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the meat first can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always sauté the ground beef or turkey before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Overloading with Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients can dilute flavors. Stick to the recipe proportions for best results.

• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings before serving can leave your chili flat. Always taste at the end of cooking and modify as needed.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap canned beans or tomatoes can affect taste. Invest in good-quality ingredients for a richer flavor.

• Cooking on High All the Time: While it’s tempting to speed up cooking, using low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully. Follow recommended cooking times for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the chili cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as chili expands when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about slow cooker chili:

What is Slow Cooker Chili?

Slow cooker chili is a hearty dish made by simmering ground meat, beans, and spices together in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Can I use other meats besides beef or turkey?

Yes! You can easily substitute lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile while still enjoying that robust chili experience.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chili?

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while high heat will have it ready in around 3 hours.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.

What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Customize based on your preferences!

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili is perfect for cozy dinners and game day events alike. Its versatility means you can easily customize it with various proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!

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Slow Cooker Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warm embrace of this Slow Cooker Chili, a perfect blend of hearty ingredients and bold flavors. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings, offering a delightful mix of spices that will keep everyone coming back for more. Effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment. Packed with lean ground beef or turkey, nutritious beans, and vibrant vegetables, this chili is not only satisfying but also a healthy choice. With its ability to taste even better the next day, Slow Cooker Chili makes an excellent option for meal prepping. Dive into this flavorful bowl of goodness today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. Add kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours.
4. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg