Chili Slow Cooker

Picture the enticing aroma of spices filling your kitchen as a hearty, comforting chili simmers away in the slow cooker.

There’s something about this timeless dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly simple.

With minimal prep, ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes transform into a warming meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Let’s bring this flavorful chili to life and savor every comforting spoonful together.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Slow cooker
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef’s knife
• 1 Can opener
• 1 Large spoon

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the chili slow cooker recipe, you can follow the timeline below:

Timeline for Chili Slow Cooker Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

1. 0:00 – 0:02: Gather all ingredients and equipment.
2. 0:02 – 0:05: Dice the onion and bell pepper, and chop the jalapeño.
3. 0:05 – 0:08: Mince the garlic.
4. 0:08 – 0:10: Open and drain the cans of kidney beans and black beans.
5. 0:10 – 0:12: Measure out the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper).
6. 0:12 – 0:14: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. 0:14 – 0:17: Cook the ground beef in the skillet until browned.
8. 0:17 – 0:20: Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until translucent.

Cooking Time: 6 Hours

1. 0:20: Transfer the cooked beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. 0:22: Add the spices, beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, diced bell pepper, and jalapeño to the slow cooker.
3. 0:24: Stir the mixture until well combined.
4. 0:25: Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 hours.

Resting Time: 10 Minutes

1. 6:25: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Additional Time for Reading and Setup: 5 Minutes

1. 0:00 – 0:05: Carefully read through the recipe to understand the steps and verify all ingredients and equipment are ready.

This timeline allows for efficient management of prep work and cooking activities, verifying that the chili is ready to enjoy with minimal stress and maximum flavor.

Adjust the timeline as necessary based on your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.

Transfer cooked beef to the slow cooker.

Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.

Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Add kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.

Add diced bell pepper and jalapeño to the slow cooker.

Stir the mixture in the slow cooker until well combined.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some on top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Sour Cream: Add a dollop for a tangy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
• Crusty Bread: Serve alongside to soak up the rich, hearty chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Use as a crunchy scoop for a fun and tasty eating experience.

Storage

To store leftover chili, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Freezing

To freeze chili, let it cool completely.

Then, portion into airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat slow cooker chili, use a stovetop or microwave.

Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Heat until thoroughly warm, stirring occasionally to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Slow Cooker recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a warm and hearty meal with minimal effort.

The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.

Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, for an extra burst of flavor.

With a prep time of just 20 minutes and the convenience of a slow cooker, this chili is a perfect choice for busy days or when you want to indulge in a comforting homemade meal. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef. Choose high-quality turkey with at least 93% lean for best texture. Adjust seasoning to taste, as turkey has a milder flavor. Ascertain thorough cooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with 1 pound of textured vegetable protein or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Confirm all ingredients are plant-based and certified vegan. Adjust spices to taste, considering flavor absorption.

What Are Some Recommended Side Dishes?

Pair your meal with cornbread, using cornmeal and buttermilk for a moist texture. For freshness, create a simple cucumber-tomato salad, sourcing heirloom varieties. Consider Mexican rice; cook with cumin, onion, and vegetable broth for depth.

Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use an Instant Pot. Sauté beef, onions, and garlic in the pot. Add all ingredients, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Quick release, stir, and serve with toppings.

How Do I Reduce the Sodium Content?

Reduce sodium by using low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Skip added salt and opt for fresh herbs like cilantro for flavor. Check labels carefully to guarantee you’re minimizing sodium content effectively.

Chili Slow Cooker Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef's knife
• 1 can opener
• 1 large spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 jalapeño seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
• Transfer cooked beef to the slow cooker.
• Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
• Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
• Add kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
• Add diced bell pepper and jalapeño to the slow cooker.
• Stir the mixture in the slow cooker until well combined.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
• Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a thicker chili, leave the slow cooker uncovered for the last half-hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or jalapeños. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.