Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty chili to warm you up on a chilly day. Our Slow Cooker Chili recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a comforting meal without the fuss. Made with a flavorful blend of spices, tender meat, beans, and vegetables, this chili simmers to perfection in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together for a satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Join us as we share our easy-to-follow recipe for Slow Cooker Chili that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 10 ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15.5 ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion halfway through the browning process and cook until soft. Add the garlic; cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Drain any excess grease and add the ground beef mixture to the crock pot.
- Whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Pour on top of the beef mixture
- Add the diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, red pepper, and cayenne.
- Cover with the lid and set to low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your bowl of chili by garnishing it with a variety of toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice are all excellent choices to enhance the flavor and presentation of your chili.
- Pair with Cornbread or Crackers: Serve your Slow Cooker Chili with a side of warm cornbread, cornbread muffins, or crackers for a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of chili and cornbread is a classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Create a Chili Bar: For a fun and interactive meal, set up a chili bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their bowls of chili according to their preferences. This is a great option for entertaining guests or hosting a casual gathering.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Balance out the heartiness of the chili with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette or ranch dressing. A simple green salad or a Southwest-inspired salad with ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado pairs well with chili.
- Make it a Meal: Turn your bowl of chili into a complete meal by adding additional toppings such as cooked rice, tortilla chips, or a dollop of guacamole. These additions add texture and flavor while making the chili more filling.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in microwave-safe bowls. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.
- Freezing: Slow Cooker Chili freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Transfer the cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Portion Control: Consider portioning out leftover chili into individual servings before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount you need, reducing food waste.
- Avoid Overcooking: To prevent the chili from becoming mushy or losing its texture upon reheating, avoid overcooking it initially. Cook the chili just until the flavors have melded together and the meat is tender, but not overly soft.
FAQs:
- Can I make Slow Cooker Chili with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in Slow Cooker Chili. Simply brown the ground turkey in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
- How spicy is Slow Cooker Chili? Can I adjust the heat level?
- The spice level of Slow Cooker Chili can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Do I need to soak the beans before adding them to the slow cooker?
- No, you do not need to soak the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Canned beans are pre-cooked and ready to use, so simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili.
- Can I make Slow Cooker Chili on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make chili on the stovetop. Simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
- Absolutely! Slow Cooker Chili is perfect for feeding a crowd, and the recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to accommodate larger gatherings. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger slow cooker if needed.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, our Slow Cooker Chili recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this easy-to-make chili is sure to be a hit. Make a batch today and enjoy the cozy warmth and delicious flavors of homemade chili at home!