There’s something so comforting about a bowl of slow cooker chili, isn’t there? The way it fills your home with that mouthwatering aroma as it simmers away just makes everything feel cozier. I love how easy it is to toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while I go about my day. It’s become a staple for our family gatherings—everyone gathers around, chatting and laughing, while we dig into this hearty dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular feature at your dinner table!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

To whip up this delicious slow cooker chili, you’ll need the following ingredients. Trust me, every bite is worth it!

1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth

Feel free to get a little creative with the ingredients! This chili is all about making it your own.

How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Getting this slow cooker chili ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This adds a rich flavor, and it should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks!
Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess fat. You want to keep it hearty, not greasy!
Now, transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
Add in the kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Don’t forget to include the chopped onion and minced garlic; they add such a lovely depth of flavor.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those fantastic flavors.
Pour in the beef broth to keep it nice and moist. You want that perfect chili consistency!
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing while you enjoy your day!
When it’s done, serve it hot, and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream for an extra treat!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? This slow cooker chili is a game-changer! Here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore it:

It’s quick to prepare – just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work!
Rich, hearty flavors that develop beautifully as it cooks.
Perfect for meal prep; you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Healthy and filling, packed with protein and fiber.
Customizable for any taste – add your favorite toppings and make it your own!

Tips for Success with Your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Want to make sure your slow cooker chili turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip browning the beef—it adds so much flavor! If you like a little kick, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder. For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them in. And remember, you can always adjust the spices to suit your taste. Lastly, if you’re in a hurry, cooking on high works just fine, but let it cook longer on low for deeper flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Variations of the Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up this slow cooker chili! You can swap out the kidney and black beans for pinto or cannellini beans for a different texture. Want to sneak in some veggies? Try adding bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a colorful twist. For those who love a bit of heat, toss in some diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of oregano can elevate the flavor even more!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This slow cooker chili stores beautifully. Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days—perfect for quick lunches! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, which makes for an easy meal on a busy night. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave until hot. You’ll want to add a splash of beef broth if it thickens up too much—keep that delicious texture!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider this a rough guide. Each serving of this hearty slow cooker chili (about 1 cup) typically contains:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

This chili is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy it guilt-free!

FAQ About Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

You might have a few questions about this slow cooker chili recipe, and I’m here to help! First off, Can I use turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that works beautifully. What if I don’t have beef broth? No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water—just adjust the seasoning a bit. Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes! Just skip the meat and add more beans or veggies for a delicious plant-based version. And finally, How do I thicken my chili? If it’s too thin, just mash some beans or let it cook uncovered for a bit to reduce the liquid. Enjoy your chili adventures!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For information on the health benefits of beans, visit Healthline.

To learn more about the nutritional value of chili, check out NCBI.

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Absolutely Love It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili recipe that is easy to make.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
Drain excess fat and transfer beef to the slow cooker.
Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Notes

You can add bell peppers for extra flavor.
Adjust spices to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker chili recipe

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