Are you in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal effort? If so, slow cooker chili is your answer. This chili recipe combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich flavors of traditional chili ingredients, ensuring a delicious outcome that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Here’s how to make a simple yet incredibly flavorful slow cooker chili, perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 15 ounces of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions, cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, ensuring to break it apart with a spatula. Drain the excess fat. This step is essential for adding richness to the chili.
🌟 Note: Draining the excess fat helps to reduce the chili’s greasiness without sacrificing flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices
Stir in the onion and garlic. Then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices will give your chili its distinctive and rich flavor profile.
4. Beans and Extra Flavor
Add both the kidney and pinto beans. They not only add texture but also contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the dish.
5. Cooking
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped scallions, cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor and appeal.
In this delicious slow cooker chili, the simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this a perfect recipe for busy days or when you simply want a no-fuss meal that feels homemade. Whether you're a chili enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe won't disappoint. Enjoy a bowl of this chili with your favorite toppings, and let the warmth and comfort of this dish envelop you.
Can I use frozen ground beef for this chili?
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Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. However, ensure you brown it properly by defrosting it first or breaking it apart well in the skillet to avoid clumping.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
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Omit the beef and increase the beans or add other veggies like bell peppers and corn. You could also use a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh for protein.
What’s the best way to store leftover chili?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Always cool it down before storing.
