If you're craving a comforting, hearty meal with bold flavors and tender beef, you're going to love this Slow Cooker Chili recipe! This hands-off, easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you're in the mood for a warm bowl of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Comforting Dish
- Effortless Preparation. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Rich & Flavorful. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Feeds a Crowd. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or leftovers.
- Customizable. Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings.
- Healthy & Nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooker chili is sure to become a family favorite!
What Does Slow Cooker Chili Taste Like?
Slow cooker chili is a delicious and satisfying dish that delivers a deep, complex flavor. The long, slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the spices to meld together, resulting in a comforting, soul-warming meal.
Plus, it's incredibly versatile—enjoy it on its own, over rice, or even on top of baked potatoes.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Beef- Provides a rich, meaty flavor and protein-packed base.
- Onion & Garlic- Essential aromatics that add depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce- Creates a thick, rich base for the chili.
- Diced Tomatoes- Adds texture and a tangy freshness.
- Kidney Beans & Black Beans- A hearty addition that provides protein and fiber.
- Beef Broth- Enhances richness and depth of flavor.
- Chili Powder- The key spice that gives chili its signature bold flavor.
- Cumin & Paprika- Warm, earthy spices that complement the chili.
- Salt & Pepper- Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Jalapeño (Optional)- Adds a spicy kick for those who love heat.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chili
- Brown the Beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the Aromatics. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, giving the chili a deep, savory flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, drained beans, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Season to Perfection. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making the best slow cooker chili to ensure it's flavorful, hearty, and perfectly cooked every time:
- Sauté the Aromatics. Cooking onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor.
- Use Quality Spices. Fresh, high-quality spices make all the difference.
- Thicken the Chili. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before serving.
- Spice it Up. Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Make it Ahead. Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for making slow cooker chili to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Turkey Chili- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian- Skip the meat and add more beans, bell peppers, and corn.
- Spicy- Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- White Chicken Chili- Use shredded chicken and white beans with a creamy broth.
- Keto Chili- Prefer a meatier dish? Skip the beans and add extra beef or veggies.
What To Eat With Slow Cooker Chili
Slow cooker chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:
- Cornbread- A classic pairing that adds a sweet contrast.
- Tortilla Chips- Perfect for scooping up every last bite.
- Rice- A great way to stretch the meal and add heartiness.
- Baked Potatoes- Serve the chili on top of fluffy potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Salad- A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the chili.
- Toppings- Try sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and avocado.
How Long Does It Last?
Slow cooker chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Slow cooker chili freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, store it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over medium heat for a quick and satisfying meal.
More Spectacular Slow-Cooker Recipes
- Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- Slow Cooker Chana Masala
- Rotel Dip
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Pin It!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes
- 15 ounces Canned Kidney Beans
- 15 ounces Canned Black Beans
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Jalapeno, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the Aromatics. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, giving the chili a deep, savory flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, drained beans, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Season to Perfection. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
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