Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili recipe featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Optional Add-ins
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the chili rich but not greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, building layers of flavor.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, and chopped bell pepper if adding. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Adjust & Thicken: After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. For a thicker chili, remove the lid and cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Beans can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes great for up to 3 months.
- Adding bell pepper is optional but adds a nice texture and sweetness.
