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Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker chili delivers comfort and warmth through rich, spicy flavors that dance across palates. Generous portions of ground beef, beans, and robust seasonings promise a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Tomato Products:

  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces/411 grams each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce

Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean base for the chili.
  2. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the same skillet until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Transfer the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
  4. Pour in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive seasoning.
  6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours, enabling flavors to meld and develop deep, rich complexity.
  7. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then ladle into serving bowls.
  8. Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions to enhance texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final chili, ensuring a cleaner, less oily texture.
  • Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising rich flavor.
  • Swap meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian-friendly chili that’s packed with protein.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding a dash of cayenne for heat lovers.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg