Ah, slow cooker chili—perfect for a cozy, hands-off meal with rich, deep flavors. Here’s a complete guide to making it:
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1–2 cans (14 oz / 400g each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2–3 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- This step adds deeper flavor but you can skip it if in a hurry.
- Prepare Vegetables
- Chop onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Add to Slow Cooker
- Add meat, vegetables, tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, spices, and broth.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook
- Low setting: 6–8 hours
- High setting: 3–4 hours
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste 30 minutes before done; add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder if needed.
- Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- Great with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice.
💡 Tips for Best Slow Cooker Chili
- Beans: If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook separately before adding.
- Depth of flavor: Add a splash of vinegar, a bit of cocoa powder, or a few squares of dark chocolate near the end—it makes chili richer!
- Thicker chili: Mash a few beans or remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
If you want, I can also give a “ultra-easy 5-ingredient slow cooker chili” that’s ready with almost no prep—perfect for busy nights.
Do you want me to share that?
