Cozy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe: Your New Favorite Comfort

Crafting a hearty slow cooker chili brings comfort to chilly evenings with minimal effort.

Aromatic spices and tender meat promise a delightful meal without hours of kitchen work.

Every home cook needs a reliable recipe that simplifies dinner preparation.

Robust flavors develop slowly, infusing each bite with deep, satisfying warmth.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents.

No complicated techniques stand between you and a delicious meal.

Ladle this chili into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure culinary joy.

What You Need for Slow Cooker Chili

• Ground Beef Or Turkey: Lean meat that provides the hearty foundation of the chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that add texture and substance to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide rich, tangy base and help create the classic chili sauce consistency.

• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the perfect chili consistency.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Signature spices that give traditional chili its warm, complex flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the chili.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

Cook ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and release their wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Combine All Base Ingredients

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Beef or chicken broth

Step 4: Spice Up the Flavor

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Chili Excellence

• Remove as much fat as possible when browning ground beef or turkey to prevent a greasy chili and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Sauté vegetables before adding to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Customize heat by increasing or decreasing chili powder and adding optional cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
• Mash some beans against the side of the cooker for a thicker consistency or keep them whole for a more rustic, chunky chili.
• Experiment with different bean types like pinto or cannellini to add nutritional diversity and create unique flavor combinations.

Variations to Change Up Your Slow Cooker Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or lentils. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms for depth.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce. Include additional spices like cayenne and smoked paprika for intense flavor.
• Lean Protein Chili: Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lower-fat option. Use white beans instead of kidney beans for variety and lighter texture.
• Low-Carb Chili: Eliminate beans and replace with additional vegetables like cauliflower or bell peppers. Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional serving methods.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Chili

• Cozy Comfort Companions: Soft flour tortillas or cornbread make perfect sidekicks for soaking up the rich chili flavors.
• Topping Taste Explosion: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt to elevate the chili's taste profile.
• Bowl Buddy Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm rice for a complete and satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies with warmth and comfort.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chili into loaded nachos, stuffed baked potatoes, or a hearty chili mac by mixing with cooked pasta for delicious next-day meals.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4-6 months.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chili into a saucepan. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly throughout.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein or extra beans. Add more vegetables for protein and flavor.

• Is slow cooker chili healthy?

Absolutely. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables. You control sodium and fat by choosing lean meat and low-sodium broth.

• How can I make the chili spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce during cooking. Start with small amounts and adjust to your heat preference.

• Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, it freezes excellently. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

Simple and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming basic components into a hearty, delicious chili without constant monitoring.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, adjust spice levels, or add extra beans to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with protein, rich flavors, and warming spices, this chili brings everyone together for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Flexible Serving Options: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions to create a personalized bowl that keeps everyone happy and coming back for seconds.

Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili simmers with robust flavors from ground beef, beans, and spices. Comfort emerges through simple ingredients that welcome you to savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef or turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped

Canned Ingredients:

• 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook ground meat until no pink remains, carefully draining accumulated fat.
2. Sauté aromatic vegetables until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Carefully transfer the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker’s ceramic basin.
4. Incorporate hearty beans, robust tomato components, and savory liquid broth into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
5. Sprinkle an array of warm, complex spices throughout the mixture, gently stirring to guarantee comprehensive flavor integration.
6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low setting for 6-7 hours, developing deep, rich flavors.
7. Once cooking completes, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
8. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls and embellish with complementary garnishes like tangy shredded cheese, cool sour cream, and freshly chopped green onions.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by seasoning ground beef or turkey with salt and pepper before browning for deeper, richer taste.
• Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy chili and maintain a clean, robust flavor profile.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin – start conservatively and taste midway through cooking.
• Transform into vegetarian version by replacing meat with extra beans, diced sweet potatoes, or plant-based protein crumbles for hearty alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg