Slow Cooker Chili

This Slow Cooker Chili is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, hearty meal with minimal hassle. Perfect for cozy family dinners or lively game day gatherings, this recipe packs a punch with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Made with protein-rich beans and ground meat, it’s a dish that brings everyone together, and the best part? You can set it and forget it while it simmers away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: A medley of spices and hearty ingredients creates a robust chili that delights every palate.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite beans or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family dinners or parties, this chili is sure to impress guests of all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious slow cooker chili, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, enhancing flavors while requiring minimal attention.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning meat evenly before transferring it to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This hearty slow cooker chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering. Packed with protein from beans and ground meat, along with a medley of spices, it’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t take much effort to prepare.

For the Meat

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

For the Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Base

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced any color

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Liquid

• 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 for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients

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: Slow Cook Your Chili

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

Step 4: Taste & Adjust Seasonings

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

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade Slow Cooker Chili!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili

Serving slow cooker chili is an opportunity to enhance the flavors and create a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively game day gathering, there are many ways to elevate your chili.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions lend a nice crunch and color.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the spice and adds richness.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a delightful texture pairing.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up chili or as a side snack.
• Rice: White or brown rice makes for a hearty base under your chili.

Drinks

• Beer: A cold lager or stout complements the robust flavors of chili.
• Lemonade: A refreshing lemonade can cut through the heat, making it a great choice for hot days.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili

Perfecting your slow cooker chili involves attention to detail and patience. These tips will help you create an even more flavorful dish.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey. This helps reduce excess fat while maintaining flavor.
• Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavor profiles.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices according to your taste. Adding more chili powder or using smoked paprika can elevate your chili.
• Allow Time to Cook: Letting your chili simmer for the full time allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing delicious side dishes with slow cooker chili can enhance your meal and provide variety. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is an ideal accompaniment that soaks up the chili juices beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a comforting twist on traditional serving methods.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your bowl of chili.
5. Rice: White or brown rice can serve as a neutral base that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the chili.
6. Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making slow cooker chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using low-quality meat – Opt for fresh, lean ground beef or turkey. Quality meat greatly enhances the taste of your chili.
• Overloading on spices – It’s easy to go overboard with spices. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste as it cooks.
• Not browning the meat – Browning adds depth of flavor. Always cook your meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Skipping the broth – Without enough liquid, your chili can become too thick. Ensure you add sufficient broth for a balanced consistency.
• Ignoring cooking times – Adjusting cook times can lead to undercooked or overcooked ingredients. Follow the recommended time for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• When frozen, it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm on low heat while stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other beans in my Slow Cooker Chili?

Yes, feel free to substitute different beans like pinto or navy beans based on your preference.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili recipe?

The spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder used. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the meat with more beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chili?

Consider toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Give it a try at your next dinner or game day gathering!

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

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Slow Cooker Chili

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of a delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Chili, perfect for family gatherings or game day celebrations. This hearty dish combines protein-packed beans and flavorful ground meat with a medley of spices that create a rich, satisfying texture. With minimal effort required, simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. Customize it to suit your taste by adding extra vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Whether served with toppings like shredded cheese or avocado slices, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. In the slow cooker, combine browned meat with kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, spices, and broth.
3. Stir well and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning about 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg